KAPCHORWA DISTRICT: The spirit of sisterhood and a shared commitment to education filled the air at Gamatui Girls Secondary School on Saturday, April 26th, 2025, as former students, the “old girls,” gathered to launch a significant fundraising drive. Their ambitious goal to raise over 200 million Ugandan shillings for the construction of a state-of-the-art computer laboratory for their alma mater.
The initiative, spearheaded by the old girls, aims to empower the current cohort of 389 students with crucial digital literacy skills in an increasingly technology-driven world.
Hon. Twalla Fadil, the Member of Parliament for Tingey County and a key mobilizer for the cause, emphasized the vital role of computer education. “Gamatui Girls Secondary School is a legendary institution in the Sebei region, and has nurtured numerous prominent figures in our nation,” he stated, highlighting the old girls’ desire to give back and further boost girl child education in the region.
Demonstrating his personal commitment, Hon. Fadil contributed 1 million shillings towards a standby generator to ensure the students have an uninterrupted learning environment. He also lauded the government’s efforts in establishing seed schools, which he noted have significantly curbed school dropout rates caused by long distances.
The Chairman of the organizing committee passionately appealed to all former students, both male and female, to attend the grand fundraising event scheduled for June 28th and contribute generously towards the computer lab’s construction. “I call upon all old girls to grace the function and also contribute to the construction of the computer lab block,” he urged.
Rosemary Sserunkuma Nambi, the school’s head teacher, expressed her gratitude for the old girls’ initiative. She highlighted the school’s growing enrollment, now at 389 students, necessitating improved infrastructure, particularly in science and technology, to equip learners with the skills to tackle contemporary challenges.
Beyond the computer lab, Madam Sserunkuma Nambi also outlined other pressing needs, including saving for a school bus (with current savings standing at 3,890,000 shillings from student contributions of 10,000 shillings per term), addressing debt arrears, improving school fees payment, upgrading student accommodation, providing adequate staff housing, and constructing toilet facilities within the girls’ dormitories. She also mentioned the challenges of power outages affecting essential services. The head teacher passionately called upon the alumni to unite and support the school’s overall development.
The chief guest at the launch, Chalenget Sarah Muzungyo, inspired the current students to embrace hard work and strive to leave a positive legacy at the school. She encouraged them to maintain discipline, focus on their priorities, and believe in their potential. “All you need is to believe in yourself and overcome fear,” she advised, adding, “Fear is just an obstacle that can be overcome. Be hardworking, disciplined, and resilient at all times.”
