By Claire Nayebare.
A total of 324 graduands have walked away with Diplomas and certificates of Nursing and midwifery at Virika School of Nursing, and this marked the Institution’s 24th graduation ceremony.
After a period of two years without having any graduation ceremony due to COVID-19 Pandemic and its devastating effects, Students have finally had their physical graduation and are set to face the world out of school despite the absence of Parents on the function.
The functions kick off was graced by Micheal Mugisa the chief guest in Hon.Margaret Muhanga’s absentia, The Rt Rev Dr Robert Muhiirwa Bishop of Fort-Portal catholic diocese, among other guests.
The Principal Virika school of Nursing Sr.Agnes Nassamba thanked Fort-Portal diocese for the continued support in the excellence of their School but presented inadequate space,low staff remunerations and lack of career guidance as some of the obstacles that disrupt the excellent performance of their school, which She presented to the guest of honor in request for government support saying that health workers are important to everyone of us.
Bishop Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki on the same function congratulated the graduates upon the step taken, but urged them to see this achievement only as the beginning of their Journey.
The Bishop warned the graduates to upgrade on their studies and stop rushing for marriage immediately after their studies saying that the field of Marriage adds them responsibilities thus seizing an opportunity to upgrade on their studies before it could be of help to them.
Bishop Muhiirwa added that professionalism is key and the newly graduated Nurses and midwives should take it serious on their places of work, cooperate with their fellow workers and do away with current Uganda evil practices of drug theft, missing work corruption among others, but rather follow an example of Florence Nightingale the founder of modern Nursing
Micheal Mugisa credited the graduates for having won the race and urged them to be more creative and keep their ambitions high.
He lauded the management for the good work done and Promised to forward issues presented to him to the right authorities for betterment of the institution’s future in producing responsible scientists.
Andrew Birungi the best student Diploma in Nursing extension in the class of 2019-20, applauded Virika Nursing and midwifery Institution for preparing well their students especially in meeting the competitive world of Jobs out there.
He thanked the classmates for perseverance and struggling to hit their goals, but attributed all to the Mercy of God.
The two day graduation featured 2019-20 Diploma and certificate students first, and the second cohort included 2020-21 diploma students and 2016-19Nursing and Midwifery Certificates.
