By Ronald Ayo
Apac, Uganda – A quiet revolution in education is underway in the heart of the Lango subregion. At its helm is James Akeba, the head teacher of Apac Seed Secondary School, who is determined to rewrite the narrative of education in Northern Uganda.
With a vision to make Apac shine again, Akeba is challenging the norm of parents ferrying their children to Kampala or other urban centers in search of quality education.
During a recent visit, Akeba proudly described his school as a model institution, citing its lush green environment and the students’ active involvement in preserving it through tree planting initiatives.
The campus has become a local attraction, drawing parents who enjoy the scenery and the clean air.
Despite lacking a connection to the national power grid, Apac Seed Secondary School boasts a 24/7 improvised solar power system, a rarity in the area.
This sustainable energy solution powers the school’s activities and enhances the learning environment, setting a benchmark for resourcefulness and innovation.
Akeba’s administration emphasizes equipping students with life skills such as baking, barbering, and liquid soap making – skills typically inaccessible to impoverished households due to high training costs.
At Apac Seed, these skills are taught almost free of charge, making them a beacon of hope for low-income families.
During a phone interview on November 26, 2024, Akeba outlined his vision for empowering students further.
“We encourage parents to open small businesses for their children, especially during the long holidays,” he shared, highlighting the school’s dedication to fostering entrepreneurial mindsets.
Akeba is not just focused on education; he’s also addressing pressing social issues affecting students.
He issued a stern warning to parents about the dangers young girls face during holidays, including sexual exploitation and early marriages.
He urged parents to be vigilant, discourage unnecessary visits to relatives, and protect their children from harmful peer influences.
“The festive season often becomes a trap for young girls, with some forced into marriage by irresponsible guardians. We must all act to protect their future,” Akeba cautioned.
Akeba called on religious, cultural and political leaders to join hands in combating child abuse and ensuring children’s rights are safeguarded.
“We need to smoke out bad cliques and address these societal issues head-on,” he emphasized.
Through his unwavering determination, Akeba is transforming Apac Seed Secondary School into a hub of excellence, greening the environment, promoting sports and instilling discipline.
His work is not only reshaping education in Lango but also inspiring hope for a better future.
Akeba’s dedication to uplifting his community stands as a testament to the power of visionary leadership.
