Natasha to promote girls education
Aug 25, 2011
First daughter Natasha Museveni Karugire has been installed as the patron of girl-child education in Nebbi Diocese. <br>
BY A. ONDOGA AND B. OKETHWANGU
First daughter Natasha Museveni Karugire has been installed as the patron of girl-child education in Nebbi Diocese.
Natasha was unveiled as a role-model to the people of Nebbi and Zombo districts in a colourful ceremony at Ogenda Girls’ High School, on Saturday.
The function was presided over by the Most Rev. Henry Luke Orombi, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda.
Orombi said Natasha would be the goodwill ambassador for promotion of girl-child education in Nebbi diocese and northern Uganda.
The move is aimed at highlighting the need to promote girls’ education and women empowerment in the country.
“In Alur culture, women are considered as the weaker and dependant sex. They do not have rights to inherit property and are looked at as wealth and not worth educating,†Orombi said.
He added that there was a lot of gender disparity in terms of education levels in Nebbi diocese.
Orombi said despite the Government’s policy to promote universal primary and secondary education, boys had greater opportunities in accessing education than girls.
“There are few secondary schools in rural areas with girl-friendly facilities. As a result, the priority to attend school is given to boys,†he added.
Orombi said the low literacy level among women coupled with social cultural ties had suppressed the role of women in the process of attaining sustainable development.
He said Natasha would mentor girls and women to excel in education and career development given her own academic and career achievement as a fashion designer.
Natasha said she was humbled by the opportunity given to her to promote girls’ education in the diocese.
“It is time to come out of the shadows and do something. I am ready to support girls’ education in Nebbi and Zombo districts,†she said.
Natasha noted that both boys and girls are equal in their reasoning even though God created them differently.
She urged the people in the diocese to unite and use the available resources to develop the country.
Natasha, who donated sh10m to Ogenda Girls School, said the money was from her parents, President Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni.
Nebbi resident district commissioner Betty Adima said the choice of Natasha as patron would avert the high rate of girl-child school drop outs and early marriages.
Nebbi district Woman MP Christine Acayo commended the Government for promoting girl-child education.
The function was attended by northern region state minister Rebecca Atengo, who contributed sh2m to the school and Makerere University vice-chancellor Venansius Baryamureeba.
Religious leaders, MPs from Nebbi, Zombo and other West Nile districts also attended the function.
First daughter Natasha Museveni Karugire has been installed as the patron of girl-child education in Nebbi Diocese.
Natasha was unveiled as a role-model to the people of Nebbi and Zombo districts in a colourful ceremony at Ogenda Girls’ High School, on Saturday.
The function was presided over by the Most Rev. Henry Luke Orombi, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda.
Orombi said Natasha would be the goodwill ambassador for promotion of girl-child education in Nebbi diocese and northern Uganda.
The move is aimed at highlighting the need to promote girls’ education and women empowerment in the country.
“In Alur culture, women are considered as the weaker and dependant sex. They do not have rights to inherit property and are looked at as wealth and not worth educating,†Orombi said.
He added that there was a lot of gender disparity in terms of education levels in Nebbi diocese.
Orombi said despite the Government’s policy to promote universal primary and secondary education, boys had greater opportunities in accessing education than girls.
“There are few secondary schools in rural areas with girl-friendly facilities. As a result, the priority to attend school is given to boys,†he added.
Orombi said the low literacy level among women coupled with social cultural ties had suppressed the role of women in the process of attaining sustainable development.
He said Natasha would mentor girls and women to excel in education and career development given her own academic and career achievement as a fashion designer.
Natasha said she was humbled by the opportunity given to her to promote girls’ education in the diocese.
“It is time to come out of the shadows and do something. I am ready to support girls’ education in Nebbi and Zombo districts,†she said.
Natasha noted that both boys and girls are equal in their reasoning even though God created them differently.
She urged the people in the diocese to unite and use the available resources to develop the country.
Natasha, who donated sh10m to Ogenda Girls School, said the money was from her parents, President Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni.
Nebbi resident district commissioner Betty Adima said the choice of Natasha as patron would avert the high rate of girl-child school drop outs and early marriages.
Nebbi district Woman MP Christine Acayo commended the Government for promoting girl-child education.
The function was attended by northern region state minister Rebecca Atengo, who contributed sh2m to the school and Makerere University vice-chancellor Venansius Baryamureeba.
Religious leaders, MPs from Nebbi, Zombo and other West Nile districts also attended the function.