UCU introduces new program on child development

 

MUKONO - The Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology at Uganda Christian University (UCU) has introduced a new program focusing on children development.

 

The Masters program will facilitate individuals intending to further their careers in children issues.

 

UCU is the first university in the country to offer the training in child development at Masters level.

 

Speaking on the sidelines of the university’s 15th graduation ceremony at their main campus in Mukono on Friday, head of the program Frederick Mukhwana said the Master of Arts in Child Development was designed after extensive consultation with child development experts and practitioners.

 

“It is intended to develop professional qualities in persons working or intending to work with children and young people,” he said.

 

“We need to know what affects the child and its impact on their adulthood. It is not just protecting the children from physical abuse, but other forms of abuse as well.  Some parents take the development of their children for granted, not seeing how this will affect them later in life.”

 

He said the program is a two-year modular course containing three weeks in a semester in the first year. The second year is mainly for practical work and graduate seminars and for research dissertation.

 

The program was a response to the growing need for more training for practitioners in child-focused areas, Mukhwana said.

 

 

During the Friday graduation ceremony, UCU Chancellor, His Grace the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Stanley Ntagali, conferred degrees and diplomas onto 1,668 graduands. Of these, 920 were male and 748 female. There were 24 first class degrees conferred.

 

Guest of honor, Prof. Wayne Grudem from the Department of Theology and Biblical studies at Phoenix Seminary in Arizona, USA, challenged the graduands to value the virtues of honesty, hard work, and selfless as “you set about to implement what you have acquired to the world”.

 

“You should be God-fearing. And put God first. Whenever it is hard, do not be tempted and falter. Do not steal,” said Grudem to the graduands.

 

On his part Chancellor Stanley Ntagali had this message for them: “You are going to join the world of work where you are expected to make positive contributions to society. Do not forget this. You are called to serve.”