UNLIKE other schools where children are being held captive by the new norm of showbiz and bribery bug, Iganga Senior Secondary School has remained steadfast to the Christian ethical values and norms in accordance with the Church of Uganda foundation body’s principles.
The Iganga Municipality Town Clerk Daniel Kasala made the vote of thanks observation during the swearing in/ handover ceremony of the students’ leadership at the CMS based school held on Sunday 7th July, 2024.He was speaking as guest of honor.
Daniel Kasala, who has been transferred to Masinda as Town Clerk, could not hide his admiration at the high level of discipline and brilliance exhibited by the students who made exceptionally moving speeches and poetic presentations that supersede some national politicians.
There have been cases of extravagant campaigns in schools where only children from wealthy families get elected to become leaders leaving out competent ones from humble background.
“…the way the prefects are elected through clear, free and fair democratic competitions without influence peddling, distribution of sweets, drinks and money and other things makes this school distinctive…”,he commended.
Kasala who is an old student of Iganga SS years before it was turned into a single sex school cautioned the students against complacency, just because they are in a good school but to always work hard.
Quoting Maslow’s theory of Hierarchy of Needs to illustrate his points, Daniel Kasala told the girls that with the strong background provided by their parents and school, they can become the cream of society in the nearby future.
For your information, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a psychological theory outlining the items that people consider to be essential to their well-being. The theory focuses on how and why we meet these wants rather than the needs themselves.
According to Maslow, we are motivated to meet each of the basic needs listed on the hierarchy in order with requirements like immediate and long term safety being met before higher-level needs like love, respect, or self actualization.
“…your focus should be to perform well and join a university of your choice where you will further study and become a professional before you think of other things…”he encouraged the girls.
On her part, the head teacher Madam Nakaziba Monic Kalira stressed the importance of the prefectural body which she described as ‘foot soldiers’ in bridging the gap between students and the administration.
“…this is imperative because discipline is the foundation of our school so these prefects play a key role in maintenance of students discipline because teachers cannot be everywhere…” Madam Nakaziba Monic Kalira said.
On the change of venue for the ceremony which had always been done outside, the head teacher said her administration wants the function to act as a motivation platform for the rest of the students to witness.
“…we believe the students will appreciate and get encouraged to work diligently and faithfully bearing in mind that they too will be appreciated and rewarded at the end of their term of office…”, Madam Nakaziba Monic Kalira said.
The glamorous ceremony, punctuated with songs of praise and worship as well as poetic presentations was also witnessed by a guest mentor (former head Prefect) Madam Patricia Namutosi (2016/17) academic year.
Now employed as the Relationship Manager at Bank of Africa with its headquarters at Lugogo, the elegantly-looking Patricia Namutosi encouraged the girls to appreciate every moment in their lives.
Recalling the many injustices that faced the women and girls globally in past decades, Patricia Namutosi, now pursuing her master’s degree course in Economic Policy, was happy to note that a lot has changed because some individuals rose up to fight the injustices.
“..the above notwithstanding, many women and girls are still confronted by discrimination and inequality, they face violence, abuse and unequal treatment at home, at work and in their wider communities and are denied opportunities to learn and to lead…” she pointed out.
She urged the girls to be focused, concentrate on studies and become more useful and responsible citizens that will add value to their respective families, communities and the country.
Outgoing Head Prefect Jassa Robinah Prudence (BCM/ICT) handed over office to the incoming one Namuluta Queen Elizabeth (BCM/ICT) in a breath taking moment with hugs of joy.
Namuluta Queen Elizabeth has a team of 96 prefects including deputies, house captains, class monitors and councilors, among others for the next one academic year when she will in turn hand over.
The outgoing prefects were treated to a sumptuous lunch in the honor and also walked away with gifts of various kinds like bedsheets, flasks and suitcases as token of appreciation by the school administration.
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