Remarks By the U.S Ambassador at Kasawo SS

REMARKS BY AMBASSADOR JERRY P. LANIER
US-Uganda Alumni Tree Planting Campaign
Kasawo Secondary School, Mukono District
Time: 14:30, Friday, September 30, 2011


Representatives of the Government of Uganda here present,
Members of the U.S-Uganda Exchange Program Alumni Association,
School Administrators and Teachers,
Students,
Ladies and gentlemen,
All protocols observed,

On behalf of the U.S. Mission and the Alumni Association, I want to thank all of the students, teachers, municipal and district leaders and U.S-Uganda exchange program alumni for coming to this special event. This afternoon we are cerebrating the successful completion of the U.S-Uganda Alumni tree planting campaign.

From my perspective, one of the best things about this project has been that alumni of U.S-Uganda exchange programs have come together for an important cause. Even better, it has the side benefit of creating a better environment for the students and their teachers of Kasawo Secondary and the surrounding area.

I think we all know that education is the foundation of economic development, a healthy community, and active participation in a democratic society. Education enables us all to grow and develop into successful people . It allows our children to explore their passions, be creative, and develop critical thinking skills. Education gives an individual hope and a belief that they can accomplish their dreams.

To build better education in Uganda, we work closely with the Ministry of Education and Sports on issues like teachers’ professional development, supporting Uganda’sthematic Curriculum, and supporting President Museveni’s initiative to communicate to youth on HIV/AIDS.

We do this because we believe that the students here at this school and those all across the country will be:

n the future doctors fighting HV and AIDS and Malaria.
n The future entrepreneurs and ambassadors.
n The future members of parliament, and perhaps even president.


Each year, more than 40,000 people from countries around the world have the opportunity to build a better and broader understanding of each other and the world through our exchange program.

The U.S-Uganda alumni has grown significantly over the years. This year alone, we have sent 80 Ugandans to the U.S on various exchange programs and five to programs in Nairobi and South Africa.

For all of you students- and some of you teachers- please stay in contact with the embassy, especially if you have interest in studying in the United States. The embassy has an EducationUSA Student Advising Centre waiting to take your questions and to offer her experience and skills. You are welcome to visit our student advisor anytime.

Let me again congratulate the alumni for the successful completion of their project and teachers and students of Kasawo Secondary school for being the recipients of this beautiful tree garden.

Thank you

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Additional reporting by Stephen Okhutu

The tree planting campaign which was commissioned at Kasawo Secondary School involved the establishment of a 7 acre orchard (Fruit garden) at the school.

This garden is expected to improve the school community in terms of fruit production at the school.

The team leader, US-Uganda exchange Alumni program, Senganda Jaffer said this is one of the projects to be carried out in Ugandan schools with a major aim of preserving the environment.

At Kasawo Secondary School, the project is managed by two writers clubs- Kasawo Mirrors Club and the Parrots Writers Club on behalf of the students.

During the event, students asked questions aimed at understanding how they can study and work in the states. The Cultural Affairs officer at the US Mission in Uganda, Shannon Dorsey welcomed Kasawo Students in her office regarding opportunities on how they can go to the States.

The Head teacher, Hajji Muzamir Mukwatampola noted that the school is regaining its past glory as one of the best Ugandan schools. He however expressed the need to establish a school twinning relationship with American high Schools as a means of restoring this glory. To this, the Ambassador pledged assistance.

Currently, Kasawo Secondary School is one of the few old schools in Uganda which are regaining their glory. This is evidenced by the better education performances in the National examinations and the large number of University admissions.

New structures are developing to replace the old dilapidated structures. A Modern Computer lab was established and a new science Laboratory is under construction

US Ambassador's visit to Kasawo SS in Photos

HEADTEACHER'S SPEECH ON THE OPEN DAY

Kasawo Secondary school had an open day on the 16th April 2011 at the school - day which intends to unite all the school stakeholders for the development of the school.

Below is an unedited speech of the school Headtechers on that day. Have a nice reading

Our Chief Guest Prince Khalifan Kakungulu
All our distinguished guests (All protocol observed)
Ladies and Gentlemen

Assalam alaikum,

1. Welcome remarks;

I take this opportunity to welcome you all to this great institution, the cradle of Muslim Education in Uganda.
Thank you very much for honouring our invitation.
You are most welcome feel at home.


2. About this day.

We have named this day an Open day. It is Open in such a way that whatever activity you put on programme will fit. But most specifically it is meant to be a Union day (not reunion) for the various stakeholders of this school, that is, the Ministry of Education representives, the foundation body representatives, the governing body (BoG), the local leaders, parents, teachers, the general public, old and current students.

All the above categories of persons have a stake in this school and their actions, decisions and interests have different impact, on our operations. We therefore felt that such a day be set aside to enable all of you meet and share experiences as we also celebrate 30 years of existence as a government Day, Mixed Secondary School.

3 Kasawo Secondary School;

Like all other institutions this school has its own history but permit me to concentrate on the present only.


4 a) Enrolment;

This has risen to 1005 students which is twice as big as the population we had in 2008.

b) Staffing;

I am happy to report to you that at the moment we are currently well staffed and balanced in all areas of academic and non academic staff. As a result the public both near and far have developed confidence in the school. We thank you parents for the trust you have put in us.

c) Academics;

· Academic excellence is still our cardinal concern like the case has been before. As a result we have continued to attract many students from all over the country which gives the school a national outlook.

· This school is known for the teaching of science in the country and the number of students offering sciences has continued to grow. Infact at A’ level, the majority of students offer sciences.

d) Universal Secondary Education (USE) Programme;

Our school is under the USE programme. We have fully embraced it and owing to this programme many children have been able to access secondary education.

e) The Board of Governors & PTA;

The Board is under the chairmanship of Hajj Lutta Musoke and the PTA executive is chaired by Hajj Ahmed Kakande. The duo together with the members of these two bodies have worked tirelessly to ensure that there is a conducive teaching and learning environment and to restore the school to the path of academic progress. We salute you ladies and gentlemen.

f) Relationship with other schools;

We have continued to strengthen our cooperation with the sister schools around this area and far and also to work closely with our feeder (primary) schools.

g) Relationship with the community.

I am happy to report that our relationship with the local community is very good. As a result they have not only entrusted us with their children but also supplied us with user commodities produced locally as we also provide them with market for their produce.

h) Sports;

Kasawo is a sporting school; it has continued to excel in various Sports activities and won a number of trophies.





5. The Ecliptic Magazine;

We have produced a magazine - Magazine. This Magazine is the first since the last one- The Mirrors - was produced a decade ago. This magazine is a reflection of Kasawo today and part of our history. We are very privileged to have you here today not only as Chief guest but also to launch this magazine.

6. Challenges:

One of our major challenges is the state of the buildings; some are dilapidated and hence need major repairs and or replacements. However, we thank the Ministry of Education for considering this school to be among those to benefit from the World Bank project of constructing some classrooms, but we need more.

7. Appreciation;

I wish to thank you all for coming and for your love for this school.

I also thank;
· The Board of Governors and PTA
· UMEA & UMTA Secretariat
· The local community and local leaders
· The old students,
· The teachers and other staff for their cooperation and support.

We pledge our commitment to continue working with all stake holders in developing Kasawo Secondary School.

Hajj Mukwatampola Muzamil
HEADMASTER

Promote Sports for Patriotism says Minister

Kasawo 3 July 2010. The state Minister for elderly and Disabilities, Hon. Sulaiman Madhada has advised school administrators to promote sports in efforts to restore patriotism among Ugandans.

This while presiding over the sports day cerebrations at Kasawo Secondary school on the 3^rd of June 2010.

'Sports Promote National unity and we should emphasize it if we need to restore the spirit of patriotism among the young generation', Says Madhada.

The directive comes at a time when the country is rebuilding the the spirit of Patriotism which is said to be lacking among the young generations who are occupying public offices.

The Minister Madhada also stressed the objective of the National education Policy which he said is intending to make the national elites love their country.

'sports brings together people of different tribes and beliefs to share a common goal. When Inzikuru wins the Gols Medal in the Commonwealth games every Ugandans cerebrates it and this is the spirit we need when whenever we are', The Minister emphasized.

He however commended the administration of Kasawo secondary school for always promoting students talents through games and sports saying not every body is supposed to pass through formal education in order to earn a living.

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