VANESSA A
Students currently on holiday have been urged to remain focused on their studies in order to become important and responsible citizens in the future.
Gideon Turyamubugana, the Councilor for Kanyinya Ward in Southern Division and the organizer of the event, made these remarks during a one-day workshop held at Kitazigurukwa Church of Uganda. The workshop was attended by over fifty students from various schools within Kanyinya Ward in Rukungiri Municipality.
Gideon emphasized that the main aim of the workshop was to bring together students from different schools to share knowledge, build each other, and understand the value of education. He reminded them that their parents have placed great hope in their academic success.
Richard Akanyijuka, an aspiring Member of Parliament for Rukungiri Municipality and a retired Literature and English teacher, spoke to the students about the new curriculum. He explained that the government introduced it to transform students from job seekers into job creators. He emphasized that in the past, students were trained to seek employment, but the new curriculum encourages a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Akanyijuka added that the curriculum instills obedience and teamwork in learners and urged the students to listen carefully, be disciplined, and apply the skills they acquire in school to real-life situations.
Gad Muhumuza, one of the facilitators and a Geography teacher, highlighted that the new curriculum is skills-based. He encouraged the students to focus on identifying key points, explaining them clearly, and applying them practically, as required by the curriculum.
He also urged students to have the right mindset towards education, be mindful of the subjects they choose, follow their passions, and avoid blindly following others. Most importantly, he encouraged them to believe in themselves.
Robert Tweyambe Darius, Director of Virunga Group of Companies, called on students—especially firstborns—to serve as role models for their siblings. He stressed that if they fail to succeed in life, they may set a negative example for those following in their footsteps. He further emphasized the importance of skills in today’s job market, saying that in Uganda, employment is increasingly based on practical ability rather than academic papers alone.
At the close of the workshop, students pledged to put into practice the lessons they had learned and committed themselves to becoming valuable and productive members of society.
