Museveni tips schools on good courses
By Sharon Tibenda
23rd July 2012:
President Yoweri Museveni has urged teachers to train students in skills that would help them survive in future. In a speech at the centenary celebrations for Mbarara High School, which was held under the theme – ‘celebrating 100 years of excellence’ last week, the president said:
“There was this confusion that children who don’t pass well go for technical education, while those who perform well go for other courses. That is how some get degrees in SWASA and roam the streets. But if you get a degree in technical skills or science, you get jobs. Am happy about the technical education here,” Museveni said in reference to Mbarara High School.
The centenary celebrations held at Ankole Diocesan grounds attracted hundreds of old boys including President Museveni himself. The President said he would recommend that “building” and “weaving” skills be added to metal and wood fabrication courses.
“Education is not just knowledge, but livelihood. Knowledge alone can’t take you far. Children should learn ICT skills and will also need discipline, academic excellence and a healthy body,” Museveni said, as he also cautioned students against joining bad company or giving in to peer pressure.
“Don’t look for girls just because they tell you something is wrong with you. There is something wrong with those who look for girls prematurely. Avoid peer pressure and bad company. Teachers should find time to tell children not to hanker after bad practices because there is a time for everything.”
The president also warned against the misconception that circumcision can stop HIV infections. “There is this circumcision confusion as if that will stop AIDS. I know Muslims who have died of AIDS and even in tribes that traditionally practice circumcision like Bagisu. Be careful with your lives.” Museveni warned.
The president hailed the role played by Mbarara High School in fostering development in the region and congratulated the Church of Uganda for starting the school.
At the event, guests raised millions of shillings for construction of a sports complex, including an Olympic size swimming pool, in memory of over 34 children who have drowned in River Rwizi over the last hundred years as they tried to swim. Museveni pledged 80million shillings towards the 500million budget, 30million which he gave in cash.
The Headmaster John Agaba hailed the people in the region, the Church, the old boys, and the president for what he described as “passionate love, financial and spiritual support” towards the school. END. Login to www.ugandacorrespondent.com every Monday to read our top stories mid-week for our updates
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