TV set excites pupils, teachers at Napak district school

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It was a euphoric moment as pupils and teachers at Kalotom primary school in Napak district received a giant flat TV screen, the very first in the school courtesy of Vision group and the Irish embassy in Uganda.

The 55-inch TV set was bought using sh2.5m awarded to the school in the Teachers Making a Difference (TMAD) competition.



Last year, Mathias Kidon, head teacher of Kalotom primary school, emerged seventh in the competition thanks to his unique administrative technique of rotating the head teacher role among teachers, weekly. Add to that setting up a school garden and counselling sessions for the learners among others.

Kidon won a trip to Ireland plus cash prize of sh2m. His school was also awarded sh2.5m which he asked that it be used to get the school a modern TV set.

In that faith, Vision group procured the screen and on Tuesday October 29, 2024, it was delivered to the school.  Caroline Arinaitwe, strategy and insights manager at Vision Group handed it over to Kidon who was flanked by teachers and a group of pupils.

Kidon thanked Vision group and the Irish embassy for offering him a life changing trip to Ireland, saying he did not remain the same.

“I admired and copied a lot. The teaching methods are amazing just like the hygiene in schools. Teachers don’t use chalk and I am also going to adopt that,” he says adding; “Besides, the teachers are passionate about their work.”

Kidon returned with the commitment to implement some of the things he experienced. For example, he bought trash cans for all the classes and compound to keep the school clean.

On why he chose a TV, he says, he wants his pupils and teachers to know whatever is going on in the world. Also, there are many educative programs aired on different channels that will benefit his learners.

Good enough, the school procured a generator.

“We have more than 1300 pupils but majority do not have TVs at home. This is an opportunity for them to enjoy this privilege,” he says.

Truth to that, pupils; Ethel Faith Risa and Simon Peter Aleper, were excited beyond measure saying they will have an opportunity to watch cartoons which they hear their friends talk about.  

Meanwhile, Kalotom primary school is among the best performing public schools in Napak district. Kidoni says, since 2012, they have had 100% pass rate meaning that all the candidates qualify for secondary school.