One of the leading girls’ schools in the country, Mt. St Mary’s College Namagunga, will this year mark its Platinum Jubilee with a series of events climaxing on September 16.
During a press conference to announce the milestone, the school’s headmistress Sr. Seraphine Amulen noted that the theme of the event “Celebrate the past, cherish the present and shape the future,” is in line with the school’s mission “To provide quality education to the girl child and inculcate moral values for sustainable individuals and social development.”
“As the school marks 75 years of existence in Uganda, we want to use this year to celebrate the past achievements, cherish the present and shape the future of the young girls who walk through our gates here at Namagunga,” said Sr Amulen during the press conference at the school on Thursday.
A Charity Walk organised by the Namagunga Old Girls Association (NOGA) will kick-start the celebrations on March, 25. Proceeds from the walk will go to the refurbishment of the school dormitories.
Angela Bageine, board member and chairperson of NOGA said that the association has been very instrumental in providing the school with not only financial aid but also moral and spiritual support.
“From in and around the diaspora, we’re always around to give all the support necessary for Namagunga to keep growing and excelling,” she said. “We don’t necessarily provide financial support alone but also all kinds of support such as connecting our girls to scholarships for universities,” she added.
Among the activities lined up for the celebrations is a Fundraising Dinner where the chief guest will be Sr Cephas Cormack who headed the school for 30 years. Also planned is a health camp at Kawolo Hospital which is the Namagunga local hospital. Old girls who are now doctors will offer free medical services and equipment.
A play will also be performed by the current girls to highlight the school’s footprint since its inception. The girls will then hit the road to perform in various schools.
The climax event will host among other guests, President Museveni and First Lady, the Catholic clergy, parents, Old Girls and current students.
Asked how the Old Girls have managed to stay supportive, Mary Butamanya one of the Namagunga alumni and also member of NOGA noted “Our school moto Per Scientiam ad Vertutem (Through Knowledge to Virtue), groomed us with very strong spirit, family and social virtues.”
The school was started in 1942 by Mother Kevin of the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Africa with the aim of promoting girl child education.
It has shaped some of the most powerful women of the Pearl of Africa including aeronautical engineer Winnie Byanyima, former Vice President Wandira Kazibwe and current URA Commissioner General Doris Akol, among others.