Parents urged to instil moral values in children

ARUA - Parents have been urged to take an active role in nurturing their children’s moral character by modelling integrity, teaching empathy, and cultivating spiritual values from an early age.

The call was made during celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of Ushindi Primary and Secondary School in Arua, which began this week with a vibrant road walk.

The march brought together hundreds of students, teachers, alumni, and community members as the school launched a year-long countdown to its Silver Jubilee celebrations, scheduled for July 12, 2025.

Speaking during the event, Rose Eyoru, a founding member of Ushindi, underscored the importance of faith and family in child development.

“We need to work toward raising God-fearing learners who live lives that are honourable and accepted by society,” she said. “Parents are the first teachers. By putting God first and actively guiding children to distinguish right from wrong, we can build a better, more compassionate generation.”

Founded in 1998 by a group of Christian families, Ushindi was born out of a need for a value-based education model in West Nile, during a time of insecurity and limited access to quality schools.

Parents are the first teachers and should put God first, and actively guide their children to distinguish right from wrong. (Courtesy Photos)

Eyoru noted that before Ushindi, many parents had to send their children across the Nile — often at great cost and risk — to access better education.

“There was a shortage of good schools in the region,” she said. “We wanted to create a Christian learning environment where children could grow academically, spiritually, and morally — and become responsible citizens.”

What started as a small institution in 1998 with just two dormitories and a handful of students has since grown into one of the region’s most respected schools, now enrolling over 600 learners across O-Level and A-Level.

According to headteacher Patrick Vita, Ushindi’s reputation for academic and moral excellence has attracted students from across Uganda and 11 other countries, including South Sudan, Kenya, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

“Every year we turn away at least 250 applicants because of limited capacity,” said Vita, who has led the school for 14 years. “Parents are drawn to the kind of students we produce — those who are not only academically competent but also morally upright and socially responsible.”

Ushindi is registered with the Ministry of Education and Sports and is a recognised UNEB examination center. The school has consistently excelled both in academics and extracurricular activities.

In 2022, it was ranked the 6th most improved secondary school in Uganda and has appeared three times in the national top 100 schools over the last decade.

The school’s sports and debate teams have also brought home several trophies, with five already won in various competitions this year alone.

“We believe in developing the whole person — mind, body, and spirit,” Vita said. “This 25-year milestone isn’t just a celebration of how long we’ve existed, but of the lasting impact we’ve had on lives and communities.”

Alumni have also played a growing role in the school’s development. Edna Abiko, who studied at Ushindi from 2001 to 2007 and now sits on the school’s board, recalled the early days of the institution.

“We were like a family. The whole secondary school had just 160 students and one dormitory each for boys and girls,” she said. “We treasured small things like our Sunday country walks.”

Today, the alumni association is being formalised, and former students have already contributed to building a new school hall. Abiko says future plans include supporting vulnerable learners and launching a school band.

“Many people want to join Ushindi, but due to limited space, we can’t admit everyone,” she said. “We want to help the school grow so that more students can benefit from what Ushindi has to offer.”

The main Silver Jubilee celebration will feature music, dance, drama, and speeches. Bishop Collins Andaku of the Madi and West Nile Diocese is expected to preside as chief guest.

As preparations continue, the message from Ushindi is clear: education must go beyond academics. It must also shape values, build faith, and prepare learners to lead with integrity.