Minister Seninde cautions graduates against lavish spending

 

KAGADI-The State Minister for Primary Education Rose Mary Seninde, has cautioned graduates against wasting money on graduation parties and ceremonies.

 

She said the money should be used to start up income generating projects for sustainable livelihood.

 

"Stop lavish spending on parties after being awarded diplomas and degrees. The money you waste on graduation parties and ceremonies should be used to initiate productive ventures to improve on your livelihood'', she said.

 

She noted that many graduates spend a lot of money on parties before getting Jobs a habit that has led to poverty in homes.

 

Seninde clarified that parents get embarrassed after spending much tuition fees and money for graduation for their sons and daughters who end up floating in towns without jobs.

 

  ‘'It is not prudent for a graduate who has spent millions of shillings at university or colleague to waste the hard earned money of their parents on graduation parties instead of investing it in productive enterprises from where one earns his livelihood'', she said.

 

Seninde said the few government Jobs available cannot absorb hundreds of graduates from over 40 universities who qualify every year in Uganda.

 

Seninde made the remarks on Thursday at the 2nd graduation ceremony at Paradigm Institute for Vocational and Media studies in Kagadi town council, Kagadi district.

She encouraged graduates to be role models in society and be focused.

 

She cited some of the lucrative ventures graduates can invest in such as; poultry keeping, piggery, cattle keeping, fruit growing and initiation of savings and credit cooperative societies (SACCO's)

 

Seninde who is also Wakiso district Woman Mp, further encouraged parents to adhere to packed lunch policy in primary schools by the Ministry of Education as a means to supplementing on championing academic excellency.

 

‘'It has been researched that hunger amongst pupils in schools has a direct bearing on academic performance and absenteeism of learners.

 

In addition, parents should provide basic requirements for their children, especially uniform, shoes and scholastic materials such as Books, pens, sets. She advised teachers to intensify guidance and counselling as a prerequisite for discipline and academic excellency.

 

She noted that pupils grow up focused and with good morals when they are properly counselled and given career guidance.

 

Seninde said: ‘' I thank Eric Musana for establishing this Vocational institution to supplement on government's efforts in skilling Ugandans. It is my prayer that all graduates from here put into practice the acquired skills and knowledge in the transformation of the communities''.

 

Seninde discouraged the habit by graduates to clamor for few competitive Jobs from the government by flocking towns hunting for Jobs instead of creating them. She underscored the importance of education in the socio-economic transformation of society.

 

‘' I as a Minister as well as Wakiso Woman Mp, and your Kagadi Woman Member of Parliament Jennifer Kyomuhendo feel so proud as educated women and our parents walk with heads up high because we are role models in our area. We want Many of you to follow our footsteps by changing your mindset as we struggle to transform our country from peasantry to modernity'', she remarked.

 

Eric Musana, the Buyaga East MP and also the executive director Paradigm Institute insisted on the need for students to have a vision for their future. He encouraged parents to always sacrifice their meager resources in educating their children.

 

He explained that the Vocational institution that has over 500 students started in 2011 with an aim of producing balanced graduates who can create for themselves Jobs instead of seeking for them and transform rural communities through the use of entrepreneur skills, Knowledge and experience learn from the institute.

 

Jennifer Kyomuhendo, the Kagadi Woman Mp, expressed gratitude towards the increase Women graduates in vocational institutions which she said will help to uplift the status of Women in the country. She implored parents for cherishing education of their children and advised graduates to use the skills and knowledge acquired from the institute to transform themselves and their communities.

 

‘'As much as you have attained that level of education, It is incumbent on you to add value on your career by aiming higher. Do not be contented with certificates and Diplomas you have acquired, strive for further studies with innovativeness and creativity due to stiff competition in the Job market'', she said.

 

Lilian Ruteraho , the Kagadi Resident district Commissioner cautioned parents and local council officials against condoning defilement, child marriages and other forms of child abuse. She called on Police to intensify community policing and crime prevention as well as arresting and prosecuting culprits to curb criminal acts.  

 

 Allen Specioza who talked on behalf of the graduates advised her colleagues to start small and grow big by establishing small scale enterprises from where they can earn their livelihood.

 

A total 110 female and male students were awarded certificates and diplomas in different disciplines like secretarial studies, journalism, motor vehicle and mechanics, carpentry and joinery, hand and craft, accounting, finance, and public management.

A total of 60 female graduates were awarded certificates and diplomas in secretarial studies, accounting, art and craft, journalism, and motor vehicle mechanics.