THE FIRST EVER EXHIBITION AND SYMPOSIUM!
On 15th June 2024 St. Joseph’s SS, Naggalama held an Interuniversity Exhibition and
Symposium.
By all standards it was a great success – it met the public expectations of a St. Joseph’s S.S Naggalama initiative and achieved its set purpose.
The main objective was to create and bring at the door steps of the students and parents an opportunity to interact with universities and other tertiary institutions to optimise students’ knowledge and awareness of what courses or study programmes these post-secondary institutions can offer them.
It was envisaged that when the time comes the students and their parents can then make informed decisions about the courses they would wish to offer and the requirements necessary for accessing these courses.
The exhibition and symposium was attended by over 1,000 students from secondary schools in the districts of Mukono and Kayunga. These schools included:
- City of Wisdom SS, Kasawo
- St. Andrews SS, Mulwaddemutwe
- St. Cyprian High School, Kyabbakadde
- Our Lady of Good Counsel, Gayaza
- Nalya SS, Namugongo
- St. John’s SS, Mukono
- Seeta High, Green Campus
- St. Peter’s SS, Nkokonjeru
- Umar B Islamic
Universities and Tertiary Institutions that turned up were:
- Uganda Christian University, Mukono
- St. Elizabeth Institute of Health Professionals
- Clarke International University
- Nkumba University
- ISBAT University
- Uganda Martyrs University, Nkozi
- Gavendish University
- Busitema University
- Uganda Institute of Allied Health and Management
- University of Kisubi
- Limkokwing University
- Buganda Royal Institute of Business and Technical Education
- Makerere University of Business Studies (MUBs)
- 3N consultants Limited.
SPEECHES:
1. Frank Ssempebwa, the coordinator said the reason the symposium was organised was to bring the universities and other tertiaries to the students instead of students going to consult them belatedly. This, it was hoped would off-set the costs students and parents would incur in going to meet the various universities severally. This arrangement, he said, would direct their aspirations to specific courses or study programmes offered by a university at one-stop.
- In his closing remarks he said the symposium and exhibition was the first edition here at school and the school is considering having it as an annual event.
- He thanked the exhibitors, the university tertiary institution participants for their guidance, advice and counselling which has left the students better informed to make meaningful and realistic choices based on their abilities and interests.
- Mr. Ssempebwa appreciated the schools for honouring the invitation extended to them. He said their, spirit of cooperation has humbled and encouraged us to continue with this journey of partnership.
- He pledged that this edition will be further improved in the subsequent ones. The …. Symposium will be held in mid first term 2025.
2. Mr. Ssebunya Eric, the school’s Career Master, explained why St. Joseph’s, Naggalama called the universities. It was to explain to the students what it takes to access the university courses and programmes.
- He said students were being exposed to the various courses these institutions of higher learning offer at ago.
- The exposure would help them gauge their abilities or capacities for the courses they would in futures apply for.
- This event would offer a platform for the learners to change and shape their attitudes for their dream careers.
3. Mr. Mutekanga George William, Assistant Commissioner for Private Schools who represented Minister Chrisostom Muyingo toured the exhibition stalls. He congratulated the school for embarking on the new curriculum which is competency based and the fruits can already be seen the exhibitions.
He planted Prunus Africana tree to mark the occasion.
4. Mr. Ambrose Kibuuka, a specialist in social education, pioneer founder of NOSA, guest speaker, Mr. Godfrey Muyende a Lecturer ICT Makerere University and many other old students present were introduced. They all added their voices in inspiring the students to perform well cope with a new curriculum and take the school to a higher level every year.
5. The students passed a vote of thanks for the information given to them which has empowered them to make wise decision in choices.
6. The Headmistress confirmed the great attendance, underscored the importance of the exhibition and symposium; and thanked all the participants for gracing the occasion.
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