Summary:
- Vice President Alupo acknowledged the crucial role teachers play in shaping future generations and called on them to continue improving student outcomes, fostering inclusive learning environments, and adopting innovative teaching methods.
KATAKWI: As part of efforts to strengthen the education sector in Katakwi District, Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo engaged with teachers from the region to promote academic excellence.
During her visit, the Vice President toured a secondary school, where she challenged students with Chemistry questions, and inaugurated the Skills Training Program at Epel Memorial Training Institute.
Alupo was accompanied by Kadrace Turyagyenda, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Sports.
A total of 1,673 teachers from various educational institutions, including government-aided and community primary schools, Early Childhood Development centers, and technical institutions, participated in the event. These institutions included both public and private secondary schools as well as technical institutes like Epel Memorial and Katakwi Technical.
Key issues discussed during the engagement included salary disparities, excessive workload, teacher policies, the requirement for Early Childhood Development (ECD) teachers to hold university degrees, housing for teachers, recognition of top performers, hardship allowances, school-based recruitment, free fiber optic connectivity, service schemes, dormitories for newly established seed schools, and including Epel Memorial on the government payroll.
In her address, Vice President Alupo acknowledged the crucial role teachers play in shaping future generations and called on them to continue improving student outcomes, fostering inclusive learning environments, and adopting innovative teaching methods.
“Educators are the cornerstone of our education system,” Alupo said. “Your commitment and expertise leave a lasting impact on your students’ lives, and today I want to express my deepest gratitude for your tireless efforts.”
Alupo urged the teachers to remain focused despite the challenges highlighted by their chairperson, Pius Oleer, assuring them that the government is working to address the issues gradually.
“You are not only teachers but also mentors, guides, and role models. Your work goes beyond the classroom, shaping the character and values of our future leaders,” she added.
She praised the teachers for their dedication to student-centered learning and continuous professional development, promising ongoing government support for teacher training initiatives.
Alupo emphasized the importance of collaboration and communication within the education sector, urging teachers to work together. “Your well-being is important, and I assure you the government will continue to prioritize teacher welfare,” she affirmed.
She concluded by encouraging teachers to keep spreading the light of knowledge to students, describing the role of a teacher as a “divine opportunity.”
The Vice President also commended the new Permanent Secretary, Kadrace Turyagyenda, for her leadership in the Ministry of Education and congratulated her on her recent appointment.
Usuk County MP, Bosco Okiror, thanked the Vice President for engaging with teachers, highlighting the need to address infrastructure shortages in primary schools, recruit more teachers, and improve payroll management.
Turyagyenda, speaking at the event, emphasized that teaching is a noble profession and that teachers occupy a special place in society. “The outcome of your work shapes human beings. Although I now serve as Permanent Secretary, my heart remains that of a teacher,” she shared.
She encouraged teachers to focus on holistic learner development, stressing that their role goes beyond academics to nurturing the body, mind, soul, character, and personality of students.
Turyagyenda reassured teachers not to worry about the upcoming teacher policy, noting that it was still under discussion and pending parliamentary approval. She also urged teachers to educate parents on their responsibility to provide for their children’s physical and moral well-being.
The Permanent Secretary expressed gratitude to the teachers, district leadership, and the Vice President for the progress made in the district’s education sector in recent years. District statistics show that 72% of the 2,999 children who sat for the Primary Leaving Examinations passed with Division 1-3 grades.
RDC Maj. Godfrey Katamba commended the Vice President for her efforts in improving social services and called for the endorsement of a school feeding policy to enhance academic performance. He likened teachers to candles that sacrifice themselves to light the way for others and urged them to involve parents in their children’s moral development.
Katakwi District Chairman, Geoffrey Omolo, thanked the Vice President for her engagement, emphasizing the importance of trust and collaboration between teachers and leaders in raising education standards.
