ALICE
Students of St. John Mary Vianney Secondary School have celebrated their patron saint, St. John Mary Vianney, with a call to emulate his determination.
Rev. Fr. Titus Winyi, the parish priest of Virika, made this call over the weekend while preaching during the feast day of St. John Mary Vianney at the school’s premises in Virika, Fort Portal City. According to Fr. Winyi, St. John Mary Vianney faced many struggles in life but succeeded through determination, resilience, and prayer.
Fr. Winyi, now the president of the Rotary Club of Fort Portal, pledged total support and lobbying towards the completion of the school’s main hall.
School head decries inability to pay teachers
Louse Kitinisa, the head teacher of St. John Mary Vianney Secondary School, said that the school was founded in 2002 by Rev. Sister Tadeo Basigiraenda to help children from humble families. Much as the school was recently taken over by the government, Mr.Kitinisa says that it is still hard for the school to raise enough funds that facilitate teachers fully.
Parents warned about changing schools for their children
Speaking as the chief guest, Linda Irene, the Fort Portal Woman Member of Parliament, commended the Fort Portal diocese for establishing the school, noting that previously, children had to walk long distances to attend secondary school. She urged students to study hard and maintain good performance to encourage their parents to prioritize education.
Linda mentioned that while the government has taken over the school, the PTA, the board of governors, and the founding body still share the responsibility of running it. Out of 32 teachers, the government pays only 13, with the remaining being paid by the PTA.
She criticized some school directors for poaching bright students by offering bursaries and warned parents against frequently changing their children’s schools, as it disrupts their ability to adapt to new curriculums. She advised parents to work with school heads to address any challenges that arise
