Dr Kedrace Turyagyenda, the permanent secretary for the ministry of Education and Sports, has called for the provision of inclusive holistic education to drive national transformation.
She made these remarks during the launch of the 10th edition of the National Schools Championship on March 17. Uganda is a youthful nation, with approximately 70% of its population below the age of 35 and nearly 50% of its 46 million people under the age of 17, falling within the basic education level, which spans from preschool to age 17.
“Quality education is holistic education. However, in Uganda, for some years, we have shifted our focus from quality education to merely achieving high grades on paper and in the media. That is not true education. Holistic education nurtures young people to learn, understand, think critically, and apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems,” Dr Turyagyenda stated.
She also commended Stanbic Bank for its initiatives that align with the government’s agenda to enhance quality education. This year, 150 schools and 300 learners are set to benefit from the National Schools Entrepreneurship Championship.
What began with 32 participating schools has expanded to over 200 secondary schools, impacting more than 540,000 learners, teachers, and community members. The initiative has significantly transformed the landscape of entrepreneurship and education in Uganda.
The championship has played a key role in providing essential resources to support and inspire aspiring innovators. Each year, the competition generates approximately 600 innovative business ideas, leading to the establishment of over 200 new businesses in various sectors such as manufacturing, renewable energy, food and beverages, and agriculture.
Sharing his personal experience, Mumba Kalifungwa, Chief Executive of Stanbic Bank Uganda, recalled how his father retired at 40 to become an entrepreneur.
“Entrepreneurship is more than just starting a business. It involves creativity, problem-solving, and the courage to push forward despite challenges,” he said. Kalifungwa said his father’s journey ignited within him a deep respect and admiration for those who dare to dream and create.
“In the spirit of entrepreneurship that inspired the Stanbic National Schools Entrepreneurship Championship, we believe that young minds are critical to shaping a brighter future. This platform introduces students to the world of entrepreneurship while they are still in school, transforming them from mere job seekers into future job creators,” he said. He added that the winners of the championship would receive an exposure opportunity in South Africa. Stanbic Bank Chief Executive Mumba Kalifungwa geofreyserugo1992@gmail.com