(This article was first published in the New Vision on May 18, 2022)
By Lawrence Mucunguzi
Vincent Turyasingura was posted to Mwamba Junior Primary School in 2018.
For the three years he has spent at school located in Ntanga cell of Rukiri sub-county in Ibanda district, the institution’s academic performance has improved and the pupil enrolment increased.
During Turyasingura’s tenure, Mwamba’s enrolment has rinse from 185 to the current 532 learners, according to Constantine Abenawe, one of the pioneer parents at the school. Abenawe says the school’s image has also improved, which he attributes to Turyasingura’s resilience and hard work.
Ponsiano Kazooba, the chairperson of the school management committee, says Turyasingura goes to churches and other places of worship to mobilise parents and learners to contribute to the school.
“When I got here, I realised that enrolment was low and engaged the school management to support me. We printed school calendars and other marketing material, which we distributed to the communities. I have been appearing on the radio (Eiraka Radio) and television to mobilise parents and communities, especially during the COVID-19 lockdown,” Turyasingura says.
In 2019, he organised a fundraiser where over sh30m was collected and used to renovate classrooms.
He has since lobbied for a government-sponsored structure, which is currently under construction.
Community Engagement
The school enjoys a cordial relationship with the community, which Turyasingura says is important.
“The school is meant to benefit the community directly,” he says, adding that as the headteacher, it is his responsibility to create a good relationship among all stakeholders.
Turyasingura says the community gets priority in supplying the school with items, like food, to enable residents to improve their incomes.
Parents are encouraged to also pay some of the school charges for food, like beans and maize. The community also uses the school’s playground to hold events, like weddings and funerals, at no cost.
Academic Excellence
In 2020, out of the 47 pupils that sat Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), 24 passed in Division One and 23 in Division Two, hence becoming the best performing government-aided primary school in the district.
In 2019, 24 candidates sat PLE, of which 14 passed in Division One and 10 in Division Two.
Turyasingura motivates his staff by paying them for remedial classes.
“The parents also support their children by making a contribution that is used to facilitate teachers for remedial classes,” he adds.
Co-Curricular Activities
Turyasingura supports co-curricular activities and he is a football enthusiast. He has been the chairperson of co-curricular activities on the Ibanda district committee since 2020.
The school participates in sports competitions at sub-county, district and regional levels. His school recently won competitions organised at the district level.
Covid-19 Interventions
Turyasingura was instrumental in encouraging parents to take their children back to school after lockdown.
Every Wednesday, Turyasingura and a team from the district education department participate in a radio talk show where they sensitise communities on the standard operating procedures
Career
Turyasingura started teaching at Yesu Ahuriire Community School in 2010, and, later, joined Yesu Natamba Primary School in Mitooma district.
In 2011, he was put onto the Government payroll and posted to Kinyamugara Primary School where he was a headteacher.
In 2018, he was posted to Mwamba Junior School.
Turyasingura also teaches mathematics in Primary Seven and remedial classes. He says teaching is his passion. Turyasingura says he is a natural-born leader.
Plans
- Expand school land for projects
- Increase school enrollment from the current 530 to 1,000 in three years
- Attract donor funding for the school
- Have all candidates at school pass in division one
- Start a vocational course at school.
Who is Turyasingura?
Born on March 1, 1990 in Kicuzi cell, Kicuzi sub-county in Ibanda district, Turyasingura is a father of two and married to a fellow teacher.
He went to Karama Primary School in Rwampara district, Buryasungwe Secondary School for O’level and St George’s Teacher Training College in Ibanda district for a Grade III certificate. He later attained a diploma in the education field at Kyambogo University. Turyasingura later joined Kampala International University for a bachelor’s degree in education.
He has also served as a youth co-ordinator at the Catholic Church of the Mbarara Archdiocese
Others Speak
Janet Twinomujuni, deputy headteacher
Turyasingura leads by example. When you approach him he offers guidance.
Nicholas Kirigwajjo, teacher
He is results-oriented and a good manager with superb mobilisation skills.
Gift Abaho, pupil at Mwamba Junior Primary School
He is a good teacher who treats us well in class.
Peter Nsimire, district education officer
Turyasingura is a hard-working individual who loves his job. He is a great professional teacher who engages all stakeholders comprehensively for the development of the school. He is punctual at his place of work.
