NYAKASURA’S FORMER H/M PASSES ON
Feb 10, 2009
TRIBUTE<br><br>DEATH has robbed Nyakasura School in Fort Portal, of one of its gems. Rev Frank Stevens passed on recently in his home town of Taunton, England.
TRIBUTE
Rev. Frank Stevens is credited for his will and passion for education
BY BEN STEVENS
DEATH has robbed Nyakasura School in Fort Portal, of one of its gems. Rev Frank Stevens passed on recently in his home town of Taunton, England.
Born in 1911, Stevens served as the headmaster of Nyakasura School, from 1954-1959 and chief inspector of schools for Uganda from 1959-1963.
A graduate of Oxford University, Stevens was appointed headmaster of Ormskirk Grammar School before moving to Poole in Dorset. Stevens came to Uganda with his wife, Elizabeth and three children, to take up a position as the head of Iganga Teacher Training College, from where he moved to Nyakasura. His wife served as the school bursar. He is credited for his will and passion for education.
On his departure, the then Archdeacon of Toro, the Rev. Ernest Bawtree, wrote: “In a short time, he won the respect and affection of the boys, and the complete confidence of the parents. In 1958, the school had its most successful year in sports and also had the best schools certificate examination results in Uganda.â€
Adonia Tiberondwa, the secretary of Nyakasura Old Boys Club, wrote: “It is due to his tremendous effort and devoted spirit of service that Nyakasura has enjoyed a rapid rise in academic standards and enormous progress inmany fields.â€
In 1959, the Schools Inspectorate in Uganda was in its infancy. Stevens moved to Kampala to help its growth and development. Upon Stevens’ retirement, the chief education officer, Mr S.C.Wood, commented:
“When you joined the Inspectorate, the staff consisted of one officer. You now leave 25 experienced and specialist officers. Your integrity and professional standards, your emphasis on professionalism in the forging of educational policy, have rightfully earned you the respect and affection of all your colleagues.â€
Throughout his time in Uganda, Stevens was also active in church activities, scouting and sport, particularly cricket.
Stevens touched the lives of many across two continents. On returning to England, he went to Theological College, and was ordained an Anglican priesthood in 1965.
He served in three parishes in his home county, Somerset. He remained active after retirement, always relishing the opportunity to help other people and serve his local community.
In his old age, he remained alert and fulfilled. His natural enthusiasm gave him the energy to defy his ageing body, and many friends and neighbours commented on his humour and ready smile.
Stevens is survived by a widow Elizabeth, children, and a “tribe†of grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Rev. Frank Stevens is credited for his will and passion for education
BY BEN STEVENS
DEATH has robbed Nyakasura School in Fort Portal, of one of its gems. Rev Frank Stevens passed on recently in his home town of Taunton, England.
Born in 1911, Stevens served as the headmaster of Nyakasura School, from 1954-1959 and chief inspector of schools for Uganda from 1959-1963.
A graduate of Oxford University, Stevens was appointed headmaster of Ormskirk Grammar School before moving to Poole in Dorset. Stevens came to Uganda with his wife, Elizabeth and three children, to take up a position as the head of Iganga Teacher Training College, from where he moved to Nyakasura. His wife served as the school bursar. He is credited for his will and passion for education.
On his departure, the then Archdeacon of Toro, the Rev. Ernest Bawtree, wrote: “In a short time, he won the respect and affection of the boys, and the complete confidence of the parents. In 1958, the school had its most successful year in sports and also had the best schools certificate examination results in Uganda.â€
Adonia Tiberondwa, the secretary of Nyakasura Old Boys Club, wrote: “It is due to his tremendous effort and devoted spirit of service that Nyakasura has enjoyed a rapid rise in academic standards and enormous progress inmany fields.â€
In 1959, the Schools Inspectorate in Uganda was in its infancy. Stevens moved to Kampala to help its growth and development. Upon Stevens’ retirement, the chief education officer, Mr S.C.Wood, commented:
“When you joined the Inspectorate, the staff consisted of one officer. You now leave 25 experienced and specialist officers. Your integrity and professional standards, your emphasis on professionalism in the forging of educational policy, have rightfully earned you the respect and affection of all your colleagues.â€
Throughout his time in Uganda, Stevens was also active in church activities, scouting and sport, particularly cricket.
Stevens touched the lives of many across two continents. On returning to England, he went to Theological College, and was ordained an Anglican priesthood in 1965.
He served in three parishes in his home county, Somerset. He remained active after retirement, always relishing the opportunity to help other people and serve his local community.
In his old age, he remained alert and fulfilled. His natural enthusiasm gave him the energy to defy his ageing body, and many friends and neighbours commented on his humour and ready smile.
Stevens is survived by a widow Elizabeth, children, and a “tribe†of grandchildren and great grandchildren.