STIA Officer Dickens Tiharihondijo, talks to community members and parents of Kyemamba Seed SS in Lyantonde District
Officers from Science Teaching and Innovations Africa (STIA) and Luigi Giussani Foundation, yesterday held a community sensitization meeting with parents, teachers, religious leaders, and local authorities at Kyemamba Seed School in Lyakajjula Sub-county, Lyantonde District.
Kyemamba Seed School is one of the beneficiaries under the Uganda Secondary Education Expansion Project (USEEP), implemented by the Ministry of Education and Sports with support from the World Bank. The school is set to receive a newly constructed Seed Secondary School in the coming months, which is expected to significantly improve access to education for learners in the community.
Community members attend the sensitization meeting at Kyemamba Seed Secondary School in Lyantonde
Strengthening Parental Roles and Child Protection
More than 100 parents from Kyemamba Village, the Town Council, and surrounding areas attended the meeting. Discussions centered on the role of parents in preventing violence against children, promoting the return of out-of-school children, addressing gender-based violence, and supporting learners who have previously dropped out to re-enroll in school. The engagement was led by the Lyantonde District Inspector of Schools, Ms. Birungi Zulaika, who was accompanied by the District Environment Officer and Social Safeguards focal person, Mr. Bbale. Other leaders included the Parish Reverend Benon Kiviiri, LC1 Chairperson for Kyemamba Seed School Mr. Baguma, LC1 Chairperson for Keishango Village Mr. Yosamu Kamutonzire, local councillors, and Kyemamba Seed SS Head Teacher Mr. Enoch Mulindwa.
Community and school leaders at the sensitization meeting
“No Child Should Be Left Behind” — District Inspector of Schools
Ms. Zulaika emphasized the importance of ensuring that all children are safe, protected, and supported to remain in school. She informed parents that more teachers will be deployed to Kyemamba Seed School in the next financial year to strengthen staffing.
She urged parents to take advantage of the proximity of the new Seed School and enroll all school-aged children, especially those who are not currently attending school.
“The school is now near. There is no reason for children to stay home. No child should be left behind,” she said.
District Inspector of Schools – Lyantonde district, Birungi Zulaika
Community Leaders Call for More Learners to Return to School
Head Teacher Mr. Mulindwa echoed the call for increased enrollment, urging parents to prioritize education for their children.
Pointing at the students present, he noted:
“Imagine if all these children were not at school and roaming the village. What would that mean for our security and community development? School protects and shapes our children.”
Enoch Mulindwa, Head teacher Kyemamba Seed Secondary School, talks to parents
Addressing Construction-Related Risks
STIA and Luigi officers also sensitized parents on safeguarding issues related to the upcoming construction works. STIA Officer Dickens Tiharihondijo highlighted risks such as early pregnancies, exploitation, HIV exposure, school dropout, and domestic tensions that may arise when large numbers of construction workers enter the community.
“Over 150 workers will be on site. We must protect our children—especially girls—from being lured into risky situations. Boys too may be tempted to leave school for quick cash, exposing themselves to accidents and long-term consequences,” he said.
Parents were reminded to remain vigilant and strengthen family guidance and supervision throughout the construction period.
Supporting Re-Enrollment of Dropouts
The officers emphasized that once completed, the new Seed School will meet high standards and offer quality education, making it essential for the community to bring back learners who dropped out due to pregnancy, financial hardship, or early marriage. Kyemamba Village is among areas that have struggled with early marriages and dropout rates, often due to pastoral livelihoods. The introduction of the Seed School aims to reduce such barriers and increase access to secondary education.
Part of the Larger USEEP Education Program
STIA and LGF are implementing Sub-component 2.1 on Safety of Students in Schools under the USEEP project, focusing on community engagement, safeguarding, and promoting child-centered learning environments.
The meeting concluded with commitments from parents and leaders to work together to protect children, encourage school attendance, and support the successful completion of the new Seed School.
