Quinn MBE
Dec 10, 2006
In his speech honouring Madge Quinn who was awarded an MBE (Member of the British Empire), British High Commissioner to Uganda François Gordon said, “Before I have the privilege, on behalf of her majesty the queen, of formally presenting Madge with the MBE, I should like to take a few moments to
In his speech honouring Madge Quinn who was awarded an MBE (Member of the British Empire), British High Commissioner to Uganda François Gordon said, “Before I have the privilege, on behalf of her majesty the queen, of formally presenting Madge with the MBE, I should like to take a few moments to recall with you the 40 years of service in Uganda, which have caused her majesty to make this award."
Madge arrived in Uganda a month short of 40 years ago, in January 1967, to teach mathematics at Kigezi high school, the national teachers college, Kakoba, the institute of teachers’ Education Kyambogo and Makerere University, where she served until last July.
During the greater part of her teaching career, Madge has focused strongly on female education. “More than one lady guest told me how important personal development was to Madge.
Without wishing to take over old history, I think it important to recall that for many of the years during which Madge was advancing women’s education in Uganda, the then head-of-state was known to be personally strongly opposed to secondary education for girls.
“We are tonight honouring not only 40 years of hard work and commitment, but also service when many experts quite simply lacked the courage to stay in Uganda,†Gordon added.
Madge arrived in Uganda a month short of 40 years ago, in January 1967, to teach mathematics at Kigezi high school, the national teachers college, Kakoba, the institute of teachers’ Education Kyambogo and Makerere University, where she served until last July.
During the greater part of her teaching career, Madge has focused strongly on female education. “More than one lady guest told me how important personal development was to Madge.
Without wishing to take over old history, I think it important to recall that for many of the years during which Madge was advancing women’s education in Uganda, the then head-of-state was known to be personally strongly opposed to secondary education for girls.
“We are tonight honouring not only 40 years of hard work and commitment, but also service when many experts quite simply lacked the courage to stay in Uganda,†Gordon added.