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Students of St. John Secondary School Buwaya in Mayuge district have a reason to smile after their entire institution’s structures got refurbished this year.

According to Sofia Kwagala, a S2 learner, they left old buildings on the compound as they went for third term holidays only to find modern classrooms on location this term.

“All the ugly buildings without a coat of paint are no more. Instead, we have a brand new classroom block and all the hitherto dilapidated structures have been given an overhaul for the better,” Kwagala testifies.

Hussein Kamaali, the Buwaya LC3 chairman hails the First Lady and minister of education, Mrs. Janet Museveni for having come to the aid of the ailing institution.

“This gesture shows us that we have a minister in charge of education who craves to see that learners are studying under conducive circumstances. The school is nowadays shining,” Kamaali notes.

He adds that the glitter is unique both day and night since the works included installation of solar security lights on all structures at the school premises.

Moses Muyinda, the school’s director of studies notes that the students are now studying under a more comfortable environment.

“The kitchen was equally revamped under the facelift. This means the children and teachers’ food is prepared in a conducive place,” he says.

Genesis

Rukia Isanga Nakadama, the third deputy prime minister and minister without portfolio, says last year’s destruction of the school’s computer laboratory during a downpour led to the current state of affairs.

“I was alerted about the misfortune and as a stakeholder we embarked on seeking a solution to the problem. I can say the damage was a blessing in disguise as much more has been achieved out of it,” says Nakadama, who is also the Mayuge district woman MP.

She reveals that as soon as the First Lady was approached about the matter, she summoned the school administrators to a meeting at State House that led to the onset of the reconstruction works.

“I am happy that the Lexis Company that was contracted to do the work has done a commendable job. On inspection, I failed to see any cracks or other tell-tale signs of shoddy works,” Nakadama narrates.

Moses Dhikusooka, the Parents committee chairman reveals that the letter written to Mrs. Janet Museveni was concise and in presentable form.

“I was privileged to look at a copy of the letter. We must be grateful to both the writer who is our woman MP as well as the one who acted immediately on receiving it; the First Lady,” Dhikusooka says.

Mrs. Museveni reportedly emphasised to the school stakeholders during last year’s meeting that education, especially of the girl-child, was at stake if the entire school structures were not urgently given a facelift.

Current status

Robert Kamya, the head teacher says the construction works made the institution boast of a new classroom block, computer lab, main hall and library.

“The new block is well aerated, ensuring that the users stay in good health. The excellent plastering and paint makes the interiors well lit for learners to see what is on the chalkboard well,” he says.

Wilberforce Owino, the examination master, says the education minister's intervention helped the school get ample room to handle national examinations.

“The main hall can accommodate up to 200 candidates which is a Godsend to us. It makes even invigilation of these finalists much easier,” he notes.

Nakadama (second left) with Tibagendeka (left) and other offiicals, inspect the new buildings built at St. John SS Buwaya in Mayuge district. (Photo by George Bita))

Owino says the laboratories have been fitted with security lights that will scare away potential thieves out to steal science equipment.

“President Yoweri Museveni is ever calling on teachers to improve science education. Now with our labs revamped we are good to go,” Owino assures.

Bishop Frank Tibagendeka, the Mayuge district chairman, says the revamped school is among the best in the entire local government.

“My council secretary for finance comes from Buwaya, now even the most shining school is in the same locality. Somehow all the good things are concentrated in this sub-county,” Tibagendeka asserts.

Challenges cited

Nakadama asks parents to take advantage of such revamped facilities to take children to school.

“I get disappointed when we still have children taken out of school to get married when schools are being set up by the government. Please as local leaders, the task is upon us to encourage more children to get to school,” she implores.

Kamya discloses that the fencing of the entire school has not been yet accomplished which may affect effective monitoring of learners during school hours.

“I am reliably informed that some computers may have been damaged by the storm that blew off the rooftop. It is time we start thinking of ways to solicit for more such gadgets as we are in the ICT era,” Nakadama says.

According to Nakadama, the challenge of not having enough furniture still remains as the new structures still have old desks.