The leader of the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU), His Highness Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng the Emorimor papa Iteso, has officially declared a “total war” on school dropouts in the Teso sub-region.
This bold declaration was made during his three-year coronation anniversary held in Bukedea district, which attracted dignitaries from across Africa, including representatives from South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Uganda.
The anniversary’s theme was “Educating a Boy and a Girl Child,” highlighting the urgency to enhance educational access and quality for all children in Teso.
The Emorimor emphasized that education in Teso is currently lacking and declared that this year’s focus will be on improving educational standards.
He outlined a ten-year strategic plan aimed at ensuring quality education for all children in the region.”We will not tolerate a situation where children are not completing their education,” he stated. He called upon schools and communities to provide the necessary guidance and support to ignite a passion for education among the youth and to encourage them to pursue courses that are valuable in the job market.
Emorimor also pointed out that many private security guards in Uganda originate from Teso, not due to a lack of education, but because they often overlook pursuing more marketable courses.
He stressed the importance of education in shaping the future of the Ateker people, who share cultural ties across Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, and Uganda. Emorimor urged these communities to adopt best educational practices to promote unity and prosperity among the Ateker people.
He appealed to various stakeholders, including District Education Officers, local council leaders, church leaders, police, and NGOs, to join the fight against school dropouts in Teso.
Annet Anita Among, the Speaker of Parliament and Bukedea Woman MP, represented President Museveni as a guest of honor. In her address, she underscored the deficiencies in education within Teso and called on the community to collaborate with the Iteso Cultural Union to prioritize education.
Highlighting the transformative power of education, she remarked on how it has enabled her and Vice President Jessica Alupo to attain high positions in government. “Let the young girls learn from our experiences; education is key,” she asserted, pledging to donate 50 million shillings to support educational initiatives within the ICU.
Anita read a message from President Museveni, congratulating the Emorimor on his leadership and recognizing the cultural leadership’s vital role in preserving identities and customs.
The President noted the government’s efforts to enhance peace, stability, and universal education, urging cultural and church leaders to promote unity and development in Teso.
Athur Odera, the Deputy Governor of Busia County in Kenya, praised Emorimor’s initiative, highlighting that Kenya has also been working to reduce school dropouts, particularly among the Iteso community. He noted that this effort has already led to a decrease in teenage pregnancies in his region.
Paramjeet Singh, the Director of International Relations at Aditya University in India, encouraged Africans to embrace education and pursue valuable courses.
He emphasized the role of cultural leaders in shaping their communities and the positive impact of such initiatives.
Annet Ichumar, the District Education Officer for Serere, shared that Serere is affected by school dropout rates, particularly due to factors like teenage pregnancies and poor living standards.
She expressed gratitude for the cultural leadership’s commitment to addressing this pressing issue. The collective efforts of community leaders, educators, and stakeholders are set to foster a renewed focus on education in Teso, aimed at reducing dropout rates and empowering the youth for a brighter future.
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