By David Lukiiza
Parents from about 40 schools across the country have been advised on educating girls.
Speaking at the launch ahead of the celebration of Mother Kevin’s Legacy at St. Joseph Secondary School, Nsambya, on Saturday, Annet Mpuga, who was the chief guest, advised parents to emulate Mother Kevin’s bequest instead of marrying them off.
“When Mother Kevin reached here, there were lots of misconceptions about the girl child, and the result was marrying them off when they were below age,” she said.
Mother Kevin contributed to the growth of the education and health sectors by setting up training institutions that have become big centers for life transformation.
“We have seen the world change simply because of the power of education; therefore, you should take the initiative to send your children to institutions such as those founded by Mother Kevin, she said.
According to Sister Ritah Christin Nakitende, the Mother General of the Little Sisters of St. Francis, about 50 schools have been established in respect to her legacy.
“We are determined to keep her legacy alive by establishing more schools, social pastoral homes where we give care to the needy, which were central during her time here, she says. Nakitende says as they celebrate the centenary, it’s important for parents not to forget their responsibility to educate and give their children health services.
“I urge you dear parents, to reflect on the 100 years of Mother Kevin and educate your children and teach them in faith as this will be the only way for them to remain upright during times of immorality, she said.
The Irish nun founded an impressive chain of schools, homes, institutes, religious congregations, and health facilities during her stay in Uganda from around 1903 to 1955. Even in death, her legacy and good works still live on.
When she arrived in Uganda in 1903, there were high levels of illiteracy among the local communities. At that time, there were lots of misconceptions about the girl child not being given an opportunity to educate herself; marrying them below age was the order of the day, which was not acceptable.
She worked tirelessly to empower herself spiritually, psychologically, materially, and intellectually. With the help of 33 other nuns, Mother Kevin established a boarding school for girls at Nsambya, a maternity center for training midwives.
To date, the most instrumental aspect of her stay on earth is that she lived a life of selflessness in the service of God.
The centenary celebration will be held in Nkoko Njeru, Buikwa District, on May 6 at their headquarters.
