For years, students and teachers at St. Thereza Girls Vocational Secondary School on Rushoroza Hill, Kabale Municipality, have struggled with transport challenges that affected both learning and welfare. From emergency hospital trips to missed academic excursions, the lack of a reliable vehicle had become a pressing issue for the institution.
On Friday evening, that long-standing problem finally found a solution. The school community, students, parents, and staff, gathered in jubilation to celebrate the arrival of their first-ever school vehicle, a Toyota Vanguard (UA 457BX).
The moment marked not just the acquisition of a car, but a milestone in improving student safety, access, and educational opportunities.
According to the headteacher, Sr. Sophia Natuhwera, the vehicle comes as a major relief.
“We have been facing transport challenges for years as an institution. This being our first vehicle ever, the sheer joy on the faces of our students says it all,” she said. “This isn’t just about a new car; it’s about ensuring safer, more comfortable transport and expanding learning beyond the classroom.”
The transport gap has long been a concern for many rural schools like St. Thereza, where limited resources mean that even emergency trips to hospitals or inter-school competitions become logistical nightmares.
Teachers often relied on hired vehicles, while students missed out on important educational tours due to high transport costs.
School director Fr. Christmas Austin, who also serves on the board of governors, said the achievement was made possible through collective effort.
“This vehicle is a testament to what we can achieve when parents, alumni, and the local community work together. It’s not just a car, it’s an investment in our children’s safety and future,” he said.
The new vehicle will now support a range of school activities, from medical emergencies to co-curricular and academic programs. It will also serve as a model of how community-driven initiatives can solve persistent infrastructure problems in education.
The blessing ceremony was conducted by Fr. Austin, alongside Fr. Nomugisha Januario, Fr. Kwitonda Posiano and Fr. Rutinaki Fredrick, as students sang hymns and took turns admiring the gleaming new car, symbolizing hope for better days ahead.
A Broader Challenge
The excitement at St. Thereza underscores a wider issue in Uganda’s education sector, particularly among rural and church-founded schools that operate with limited funding.
Many schools lack basic logistics like transport, laboratory equipment, or even adequate classroom space, limiting the full realization of their educational potential.
Education experts argue that without investment in such essential infrastructure, the promise of holistic education, especially for the girl child, remains incomplete. The story of St. Thereza Girls School, however, shows that community unity and innovative fundraising can bridge some of these gaps.
About St. Thereza Girls Vocational Secondary School
Located in Rushoroza Village, Karubanda Parish, Southern Division, Kabale Municipality, St. Thereza Girls Vocational Secondary School is a leading institution dedicated to the education and empowerment of the girl child.
The school offers both academic and vocational training from Senior One to Senior Six, nurturing students into responsible citizens and future leaders through values of discipline, excellence, and community service.
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