Mpigi school ICT skilling campaign receives Rotary boost
"Parents must stop abandoning their core responsibilities. Children cannot learn effectively on empty stomachs, regardless of how many computers we donate; these pupils need lunch at school, so I encourage you to contribute lunch to the school whenever you're called to do so,” Ssemwanga added.
On behalf of the school management committee, Rev Canon Nkambo Mugerwa thanked the Rotarians for their philanthropic spirit and assured donors that the community would protect the investments. (Credit: Simon Ssekidde)
MPIGI - Digital literacy and girls' education in Mpigi District have received a major boost after a coalition of 17 Rotary Clubs, led by the Rotary Club of Nsangi, donated high-tech ICT equipment and menstrual hygiene products to Kibuuka Memorial Primary School.
The intervention at the government-aided institution included five internet-connected computers, a heavy-duty photocopying machine, and a large supply of sanitary pads.
The donation addresses a critical infrastructure gap in rural education, where a lack of practical computer skills continues to disadvantage pupils during national examinations.
Handing over the donation to the management and staff of Kibuuka Memorial Primary School, located in Mpigi Town Council, Mpigi District, Francisco Ssemwanga, the past District Governor 9214 and guest of honour, highlighted the importance of mastering computer skills by the young generation as a fundamental requirement for the modern job market.
On the same occasion, he lashed out at parents whom he accused of failure to provide for their children. He particularly expressed deep concern over parental negligence regarding school feeding programs in public schools.
"Parents must stop abandoning their core responsibilities. Children cannot learn effectively on empty stomachs, regardless of how many computers we donate; these pupils need lunch at school, so I encourage you to contribute lunch to the school whenever you're called to do so,” Ssemwanga added.
To further improve the learning environment, he pledged to contribute shs 10 million towards paving the school compound with concrete pavers to eliminate mud, especially during rainy seasons, to create a better learning environment for the children.
Handing over the donation to the management and staff of Kibuuka Memorial Primary School, located in Mpigi Town Council, Mpigi District, Francisco Ssemwanga, the past District Governor 9214 and guest of honour, highlighted the importance of mastering computer skills by the young generation as a fundamental requirement for the modern job market. (Credit: Simon Ssekidde)
“Safeguarding the plight and dignity of teenage girls through menstrual hygiene support is central to keeping them focused on their education. We all have a responsibility to ensure that these young girls are helped as they go through this difficult situation,” Subirah Muwanga said.
Paul Tumusiime, the President Rotary Club of Katende, said they carried out a needs assessment and they identified a lack of ICT tools and sanitary towels as the school's top barriers to academic excellence.
“We carried out a thorough needs assessment, and we found out that the school badly needed ICT tools. We mobilised resources, and today we are proud to hand over this donation to the school management,” Tumusiime said.
Deogratious Ssekyole, the Mpigi district education officer, applauded the Rotarians for the generous gesture, noting that public-private partnerships are vital to achieving sustainable development goals in the education sector and called on the school management to guard the donation given to them jealously.
On behalf of the school management committee, Rev Canon Nkambo Mugerwa thanked the Rotarians for their philanthropic spirit and assured donors that the community would protect the investments.
The school Headteacher, Deborah Nampeewo, expressed profound relief, stating that the in-house photocopying machine would slash administrative printing costs, which will allow the school to reallocate scarce resources to other academic needs.