By Joshua Olomo
Kwania, Uganda | Ikwera Girls Senior Secondary School, a 44-year-old institution, is experiencing a remarkable revival, with renewed efforts from alumni, school administrators, and students aimed at restoring its former glory.
Ikwera Girls SS is the only girls’ secondary school in Kwania District offering both O-Level and A-Level boarding education. The school was established in 1982 by the Catholic Church, although in recent years it has also permitted boys to sit Sinor six examinations.
According to a report released by the school administration, enrollment at the school had drastically declined over the past ten years, to only about 60 students from Senior One to Senior Six.
However, through the combined efforts of school leaders, Ikwera Girls Old Students Association alumni and parents, student enrollment has now increased to over 400 learners, according to data from the Education Management Information System (EMIS).
Speaking about the school’s transformation, Geoffrey Alex Ogwal Adyebo, former LC5 Chairperson of Kwania District and a former student of the school, said that alumni who once studied at Ikwera Girls SS are determined to work together to restore and strengthen the institution.
The Head Teacher of Ikwera Girls SS, Grace Torach, highly commended the efforts of the school’s leadership and former students who have united to undertake initiatives aimed at increasing student enrollment and improving the school.
Torach added that the school is committed to implementing all necessary measures to improve its reputation and academic performance.
She noted that the school is also focusing on co-curricular activities, leadership development, sports, and debate competitions among other programs intended to produce holistic students.
Morin Adongo, a Senior Three student, and Konika Apio, a Senior Four student at Ikwera Girls SS, praised the efforts of the school administration in promoting quality education for girls.
They expressed confidence that the ongoing improvements would help them become successful and responsible citizens capable of overcoming future challenges.
The school’s revival is seen as a positive development for education in Kwania District, with stakeholder’s hopeful that enrollment and academic performance will continue to improve in the coming years.
