Former pupils of Barr Primary School in Lira District have honoured one of their retired teachers, Aggrey George Ogwang, in recognition of his contribution to their education, in a gesture aimed at appreciating educators who shaped their lives.
The former pupils, under the Barr Primary School Old Boys and Old Girls (OBs and OGs) Association, visited Ogwang, 71, at his home in Lweero A Village, Obot Parish, Barr Sub-county, on Sunday, November 8, where they presented him with assorted household items and cash support.
The association’s chairperson, Ojok Jacob, said the group was established in April this year to reconnect with former teachers, particularly those who have retired from active service, and appreciate their contribution to the education of their former pupils.
Ojok said the association had so far visited three retired teachers as of yesterday, adding that the initiative was intended to provide emotional and material support while checking on the welfare of their former educators.
He called on other former pupils of Barr Primary School to join the association and support its activities, saying the group also intends to improve the standard of education at their former school and explore opportunities to contribute to its development.
Speaking during the visit, Moses Okello Alito of St Mary’s Church of Uganda described the gesture as an important but uncommon expression of gratitude towards retired teachers, who are often forgotten after leaving active service.
Okello said Ogwang’s character and professional contribution were reflected in the decision by his former pupils to return and appreciate him, noting that many of those who participated in the visit sat their Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) in 2005.
He described the retired teacher as a respected member of the community whose record of service and conduct had earned him admiration among those who knew him.
Ogwang, who spent 37 years in the teaching profession, served at Ogur Primary School, Agweng Primary School, and Barr Primary School, where he worked for 26 years.
He joined the profession in 1979 after completing his Grade II teacher training and retired in 2015 as a Grade III teacher.
Reflecting on his years in service, Ogwang said he valued his relationship with pupils and parents during his time at Barr Primary School, expressing gratitude to his former pupils for remembering him long after his retirement.
He said the visit was particularly meaningful because they had returned to appreciate him while he was still alive, describing the gesture as an encouragement during his retirement.
The association’s speaker, Okello Emmanuel, said they had organised the visit to recognise Ogwang’s years of dedication to teaching and offer practical assistance as he navigates life after retirement.
He said the delegation delivered cooking oil, sugar, bananas, soap, laundry detergent, rice, and other household necessities, alongside Shs372,000 in cash to help him meet some of his daily needs.
Okello noted that the support was intended to ease some of the financial challenges associated with old age and retirement, particularly for a former teacher who is no longer earning a regular salary.
The association said it hopes to sustain the initiative by reaching out to more retired teachers while strengthening the bond between former pupils and the school that laid the foundation for their education.