Masindi gets new classroom block

By Catherine Ntabadde in MasindiMASINDI Junior Primary School will never be the same again. Pupils in this school can now learn in a more conducive environment. Thanks to Rorash Educational Publishers, Uganda and Heinemann publishers, UK, the school with only two dilapidated buildings has a new face. Last Thursday, half naked and dirty village children sat on bricks listening attentively at the commissioning of the four classroom block. The Rorash-Heinemann Educational Building fund funded the project.With its white colour on the outside, glass windows and metallic doors, the classroom block looks very different from the old block that has no windows, no plastering and has worn out roofs.Mr. John Magara, Masindi district chairman commissioned the sh41m block which will accommodate 240 pupils, 60 per class.“It is extremely important to receive a new project. Education must be perceived through a conducive environment. This building has added value to the town council and the district at large,” Magara noted.“Let us have children from here go to Budo, Gayaza, Namagunga and other children,” he added.The joyful ceremony was witnessed by Robinah Kafeeke, Rorash Managing Director, Terence Cross, Heinemann consultant, Regina Laboke, Headmistress Our Lady of Good Counsel, Gayaza. Others were Jennifer Isoke, the building engineer and Derek Nkata, District Education Officer (DEO).Laboke who is also a member of the board of trustees, Rorash, said the Education development fund was launched in 1998. She noted that government has done a lot to improve the education sector through the Universal Primary Education (UPE) programme. “The number of pupils enrolled under UPE this year has increased to about six million. This increase calls for more space,” she said.Laboke revealed that Rorash hopes to improve the education sector by publishing more text books. Rorash has so far spent over sh100 m supporting schools in Uganda. The publishing company will also provide desks to Masindi Junior School.Fagil Mandy noted, “Rorash is not just after selling books.” but to also develop education.” Many publishers make money but where do they invest it,” he asked.Mandy said Rorash books build up a citizen and have a nationalistic touch. As a token of appreciation, the management of Masindi Junior School donated gifts to Kafeke, Cross and the district education team who have worked hard.Nkata said the contribution of the building is timely because more classrooms are needed.He said the challenge to the school is to put it in good use to boost education in the district.Milly Wobwimi, the headteacher, had no words. “We appreciate the donors for this structure. It has changed the view of the school,” she said.Wobwimi said the school will need more pupils to fill the four classroom block.