Clare
Over 40 schools under the Fort Portal Catholic Education Secretariat have gathered today at Sts. Peter and Paul Primary School in Virika, Fort Portal City, to celebrate the culmination of Education Week 2024.
The event, themed “We Are Called to Love,” Fostering all-round education”, featured a Solemn Mass led by Rt. Rev. Dr. Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki, the Local Ordinary of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese, along with an exhibition showcasing various schools, which was inspected by the Bishop and other distinguished guests.
Utilize your talents- Bishop Muhiirwa
In his homily, Bishop Muhiirwa referenced the parable of the talents, encouraging school leaders and students to recognize and cultivate their unique abilities—be it in sports, academics, or extracurricular activities—to maximize their potential, much like the servant in the Bible who invested his master’s money wisely.
He also emphasized the importance of holistic education provided by the Catholic Church, which fosters moral and physical development, urging participants to instill virtues such as honesty, integrity, and environmental stewardship.
The Bishop explained that all Catholic schools are named after saints to inspire both students and educators to emulate the virtues of their patron saints and to seek their intercession.
On behalf of the organizing committee, Mr. Steven Gaaki, Vice Chair of the Association of Catholic Heads of Education Institutions in Fort Portal Diocese, praised the innovative approach to Education Week, particularly the exhibition, crediting its success to the efforts of the Education Secretariat at the diocesan level.
Mr. Aloysius Rujumba, the Diocesan Education Secretary, commended the Bishop for his significant support in enhancing the educational system within the Diocese and for his active involvement on this occasion.
He urged attendees to reflect on the theme “We Are Called to Love” and to promote quality education. He highlighted the importance of human decency, interpersonal skills, and respect for nature in line with Pope Francis’s message in “Laudato Si.”
ACHEI as a good initiative
Representing the National Catholic Education Secretariat, Mr. Henry Otim Mugisa expressed appreciation for the observance of Education Week and stressed the need to leverage the Association of Catholic Heads of Education Institutions (ACHEI) to address ongoing challenges such as school fees and land issues. He encouraged school leaders to transform schools into centers of evangelization.
The Chief Guest, Associate Professor Edmond Kagambe, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Mountains of the Moon University, called for a strong educational foundation, noting the lack of critical thinking skills among many students in the region.
He challenged educators to strive for quality outcomes and to enhance their content knowledge in light of the new curriculum. He also urged students to be self-motivated and to engage with informal education.
