Zombo leaders launch fundraising campaign to construct girls’ dormitory at Atyak Seed School
He also pledged continued support for the project and emphasized the need for a collective effort from all stakeholders.
Zombo: Leaders in Zombo have kicked off an ambitious fundraising initiative to build a dormitory for female students at Government-aided Atyak Seed Secondary School.
The effort aims to provide a conducive environment for learning, discipline, and overall development of the students.
The campaign is being led by a committee that includes local leaders, the school administration, parents, and political aspirants. They are targeting a total of 300 million shillings to achieve the goal of constructing the dormitory.
The campaign was officially launched on January 14, 2025, at Atyak Seed Secondary School, with Major General Dick Olum serving as the Chief Guest. Olum made a significant contribution, although the exact amount was not disclosed.
He also pledged continued support for the project and emphasized the need for a collective effort from all stakeholders.
In his opening remarks, Major General Olum stressed the importance of long-term community involvement in the school’s success. He pointed out that leadership changes, like the transfer of the headteacher, should not hinder progress, and urged the community and local authorities to stay engaged and adequately informed.
Olum also appealed to parents to take greater responsibility for the well-being of the girl child, highlighting concerns about teenage pregnancies and early marriages.
Agenunga, the school board chairperson, revealed that the school has ample land to accommodate various developments, such as performing arts spaces, athletic fields, and additional hostels. He called on developers to invest in housing around the school to support students from distant areas.
Education experts have highlighted the positive impact of boarding schools, noting that students are often more motivated when they live and study together.
Peter Ocan, a teacher in Paidha Town Council, shared his thoughts, saying, “When you live and learn together in a school, you’re motivated and grow together.”
There is high hope that the dormitory project will help mitigate issues like teenage pregnancy and early marriage, which have been contributing factors to high dropout rates among female students in the region.
Grace Freedom Kwiocwiny, former Northern Uganda State Minister and current senior presidential advisor, emphasized the importance of such initiatives for girl child education, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
She shared the challenges faced by the community, recounting the rise in teenage pregnancies and early marriages, and expressed her support for the establishment of a girls’ dormitory at the school.
James Oruna Oyulu, the LCV Chairperson for Zombo District, affirmed the government’s policy on supporting the establishment of girls’ dormitories in seed schools. He reassured the community of his commitment to the project’s success.
The Executive Director of Life Concern, Kakura Emmy Kizito, also expressed optimism about the fundraising efforts, particularly if the diaspora community is actively involved in supporting the cause.
Atyak Seed Secondary School, one of the eight public secondary schools in Zombo District, currently serves over 400 students.
The school, which became operational in 2022, has quickly become a vital educational hub for the rural Atyak community and neighboring sub-counties that previously lacked access to secondary education.
The fundraising drive for the girls’ dormitory is expected to play a significant role in addressing educational challenges in the region and providing a safe, supportive environment for female students to thrive.
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