Oyam, Uganda – In 2022, Amwa Comprehensive Secondary School in Oyam District faced imminent collapse. With only 13 students left, the institution, founded by the Catholic Church in 1984, seemed destined to shut down. However, under new leadership and unwavering community support, the school has undergone an extraordinary transformation, growing its enrollment to 400 students in just two years.
The turnaround began with the intervention of Rev. Sr. Agnes Atala, a Missionary Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church (MSMMC), Education Secretary of Lira Diocese, who, alongside newly appointed Headteacher Mr. Kibwota Stephen, embarked on a mission to restore the school’s lost glory.
In February 2023, Darion, then a Senior 3 student, promised Rev. Sr. Agnes that he would strive for academic excellence. True to his word, he excelled in the 2024 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) exams, scoring A, B, B, B, B, C.
In recognition of his outstanding performance, Rev. Sr. Agnes awarded him a mattress, symbolizing the school’s commitment to rewarding hard work and perseverance. Darion will now join Acaba Secondary School for his A’ level studies.
Beyond individual success, the school itself has seen remarkable improvements. Initiatives such as “Wang Oo,” a student-driven program encouraging open discussions on challenges, have fostered a sense of belonging and motivation among learners.
Additionally, the school boasts one of the best science laboratories in the Lango Sub-region, enhancing its academic reputation.
However, growth has brought new challenges. The school struggles with limited infrastructure, including inadequate dormitories, administrative blocks, and a prayer space.
A major setback occurred when strong winds destroyed the school’s computer laboratory, a crucial facility for digital learning.
In response, Mr. Kibwota has appealed to the Office of the Prime Minister for urgent support to rebuild the lab and improve other key facilities.
Despite these challenges, the school remains determined to provide quality education, particularly for vulnerable students.
By offering affordable learning opportunities, Amwa Comprehensive is not only transforming individual lives but also contributing to the broader development of the community.
The leadership calls upon well-wishers, government institutions, and alumni to support its mission as the school looks to the future.
The revival of Amwa Comprehensive Secondary School stands as a testament to the power of resilience, strong leadership, and community involvement in shaping a brighter future for education in Oyam District and beyond.
Original Story………….Lira Diocese News Agency……………….
