Contribution of the church in provision of basic formal education in light of Populorum Progressio

Abstract

This is a qualitative descriptive case study that was aimed at examining the contribution of the Church in the provision of formal education to young people in Rwera Parish in light of Populorum Progressio. It had three specific objectives: to identify interventions put in place by the Church in Rwera Parish to provide formal education to young people, to identify the challenges faced by the Church in Rwera Parish in providing formal education to young people, and to suggest possible solutions to the challenges faced by the Church in Rwera Parish in provision of formal education to young people.The study population was composed of representatives of the Church and Church leaders in Rwera Parish. This included senior catechists both active and retired (those who have served in the Parish for more than 15 years), priests who have worked in the Parish or are still working there, heads of Church-founded schools, and Parish Council members.Data were collected through the use of key informant interviews, documentary review, and observation. It was found out that the Church had put in place several measures to provide education to young people. This included establishing and maintaining learning institutions, doing community mobilisation, maintaining a Catholic presence in the schools, and providing oversight and supervision for these schools. However, the Church was being hampered by lack of sufficient resources to carry out its core activities in this endeavour.The major recommendations from the study were the establishment of a Parish education policy, the establishment of a Parish education fund, and a deliberate effort to minister and evangelise in non-Catholic schools as well. Similar research was proposed to be done in other parishes in Mbarara Archdiocese, and more studies to be done in Rwera Parish to find out exactly what is being done for young people outside school, and those who are in non-Catholic schools.