(This article was first published in the New Vision on April 6, 2022)
By George Bita
For the two years Eliphaz Opolot has been headteacher at Ngora High School in Ngora district, the institution boasts new buildings with girls’ washrooms plus excellence in sports.
John Omadi, the deputy headteacher in charge of academics, says the new structures have changed the face of the school in addition to catering for the surging number of learners.
“We have 1,702 students in this public school and 857 are girls. During the COVID-19-induced lockdown, Opolot ensured students kept learning both at school and home through online lessons conducted via the Zoom platform,” he says.
Omadi says some learners from other schools, who registered for Ngora High School Zoom lessons, eventually joined the institution. He adds that Opolot convinced parents to fund construction of a storeyed girls’ dormitory and boost sports activities.
Patrick Okello, the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) chairperson, says Opolot was able to sell to parents the idea of having more dormitories for both boys and girls during a meeting in February 2020.
Girls’ Dormitory
“The project worth sh800m was constructed within one-and-a-half years. That is really commendable,” the Rev. Capt. Moses Okello, the vice-chairperson of board of governors, says.
Omadi says the contemporary dormitory block can accommodate 108 girls at the Church of Uganda-founded institution.
“The girls’ block comes with modern washrooms that help them clean up during their menstrual periods. The old bathrooms couldn’t serve well,” Omadi says.
Marie Kanyago, the senior woman and teacher explains that washrooms are a requisite for the girl child.
“Some dropouts have been attributed to lack of such facilities in schools. Once a girl feels insecure, the option would be leaving the school,” she says.
Jemima Alupo, a student of Senior Five, expresses satisfaction with the new spacious block, saying it is a cozy residence for girls.
Boys’ Building
Omadi says the boys’ dormitory is expected to be completed by next month.
“The PTA treasurer estimates the project will cost about sh172m. This is because it is not storeyed like the girls’ complex,” he says.
Omadi says Opolot was instrumental in encouraging the parents to contribute for this cause during a meeting in January. He believes once it is commissioned, it will alleviate the congestion in the boys’ old dormitories.
Academic Input
Grace Among, the teacher in charge of the concept committee, says Opolot instituted several interventions in February 2020 to boost academic performance.
“Under the arrangement, students are tasked to document references to books and teachers consulted on a weekly basis. Failure to prove consultation attracts a penalty,” she says.
Among says the concerned teacher signs on the student’s concept form as well as librarian for reference books. She adds that the concept project has seen more students consult and improve their academic performance. Omadi says distribution of home learning materials to students both in and out of school boosted academics during the lockdown.
Co-Curricular Activities
Andrew Ochan, the director of studies, lauds Opolot’s contribution to boosting the learners’ talents in sports, music and drama.
“Our students’ prowess presently speaks for itself. Right now, two school teams are participating in the inter-district competitions,” he says.
Ochan adds that the football and athletics teams emerged best in Ngora district competitions and are currently in Katakwi district representing the local government.
Juliet Achayo, the Ngora district Woman MP, praises Opolot and the school management for encouraging the learners to use their sports talent.
Dr John William Obere, the chairperson board of governors, says the sports medals brought back to Ngora High School this year are a result of Opolot’s input.
“He renovated the sports complex, equipped the teams and allows students ample time to develop their talents. They now have co-curricular hours every day after 5:00pm,” Obere says.
Geoffrey Milton Okuna, the Ngora inspector of schools, says Ngora High School has made the district proud by representing them in co-curricular activities.
Challenges
Opolot laments that having joined Ngora High School a few months before the COVID-19 outbreak, the lockdown affected interaction with parents and learners.
“The e-interaction had its shortcomings, especially with the network connection. Some learners also could not connect,” he says, adding that the high commodity prices, mainly fuel, affect the smooth operation of the school.
Community Correlation
Loyce Asio, the in-charge of junior library, says snacks sold at the school are supplied by community members.
Reagan Opio, a local councillor from Mukongoro parish, says the household incomes of locals have improved due to provision of goods and services to Ngora High School staff and students.
“The Ngora High School community contributes a lot to the household incomes of our community. When we closed over the COVID-19 pandemic, our neighbours suffered,” Asio says.
Shamim Aisu, the school nurse, says members of the community often visit the dispensary for first aid.
Opolot says members of the Ngora community access water from the school taps quite often.
“Even several of our staff, both teaching and non-teaching, come from the community,” he notes.
FACT FILE
- 1988: Obtained a PLE certificate from Swaria Primary School
- 1992: Went to Teso College Aloet for O’level
- 1993: Completed A’level from Central Academy, Soroti
- 1997: Got a diploma in education from National Teachers College, Ngetta
- 1999-2009: Taught at Kibuku SS, Kibuku district 2004: Attained a bachelor of education degree from Kyambogo University
- 2010-2012: Deputy headteacher of St John SS Buwaya, Mayuge district
- 2013-2014: Served as acting headmaster of Asinge SS in Tororo district
- 2014: Secured a certificate in educational planning and management of AgaKhan University, in Dar-es-Salaam
- 2015:2019: Headteacher, Kanyum Comprehensive SS in Kumi district
- 2017: Obtained a master’s of education from Uganda Christian University, Mukono
- 2020: Got a post-graduate diploma in public administration from Uganda Management Institute
- 2020 to date: Headteacher of Ngora High School in Ngora district
5 Golden tips…
- Hard work and discipline present the key to success.
- Put God first in whatever you set out to accomplish.
- The sky is the limit. Take one step at a time to move far.
- Respect for others begins with self-respect.
What Others Say
Margaret Akello, Deputy Headteacher In Charge Of Administration
We have worked as an effective team led by the headteacher. The splendid outcome speaks for itself.
Mark Opolot, The Head Of Chemistry Department
Our headteacher made interventions that ensure the girl-child remains in school. Actually, Ngora High School of recent has a relatively big population of girls.
John Ojok, Parent From Ngora Town
Ever since the school got a new headteacher, great changes have taken place. We are impressed and keep wishing for more developments.
Martha Idonyu, Student
Our headteacher prides in having students’ talents tapped to the fullest. This is important given that education and sports are inseparable
