Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi has urged school teachers to focus on
preparing learners to be capable of meeting the demands of the fast
changing world as we progress in the 21st century.
Mbabazi said the key priority of developing independent learners who
are both academically competent and developed in character is lacking
in many schools.
The Premier made the remarks while presiding over the
celebrations to mark 40 years of Girls ‘education at Bishop Kivengere
Girls’ school, Muyebe in Kabale District.
This girls’ school was founded in 1974 by the late Bishop Festo
Kivengere and his wife Merab Kivengere to address the imbalance in the
education system at the time which did not favour the girls.
According to the first school headmistress Elizabeth Trail, 1,846
girls sat for their primary leaving examinations in 1973 in the Kigezi
region but only 100 places were available for their secondary
education.
“I am pleased note that this school is laying a foundation for
holistic development of girls in academics and other areas of life,”
Mbabazi said adding that leaders have a responsibility to uplift the
education standards in the country.
Mbabazi said the country is now fast tracking the skilling Uganda
programme to replace the outdated education system inherited from the
colonial masters which does not prepare learners to be job creators.
“That certificate or grade is simply assign that you have been
prepared enough to begin the real lessons of life,” Mbabazi told the
students adding that he is disturbed when exam results are published
in the press and he fails to trace Kigezi schools among the best in
the country.
Mbabazi announced a contribution of 30 million shillings from
President Yoweri Museveni towards the construction of a multi-purpose
hall and another 10 million from his family.
About 60 million shillings was realised in cash and pledges for the
multipurpose hall expected to cost 3 billion shillings.
The Chairman school board of governors, Rev. Canon Tirwomwe expressed
concern about government failure to support the school’s development
since its inception,
He said that the A-level school with 400 girls only receives support
from parents and donors, something the Prime Minister promised to
follow up with the Minister of Education & Sports.
The celebrations were also attended by the Bishop of Kigezi Diocese,
George Bagamuhunda, Kabale Vice-LCV Chairperson Mary Bebwajuba, old
girls, daughters of the Late Bishop Kivengere religious leaders and
friends of the schoo