St. Jerome Secondary School, Ndama, recently celebrated its 39th anniversary, marking nearly four decades of providing education and faith to students in Rukungiri District, Uganda. The event, held at the school premises in Kebisoni Town Council, brought together staff, parents, and students to honor the school's patron saint. The celebrations began with a Mass led by Fr. Nabaasa Venansio, Parish Priest for Ndama Parish, who reflected on the life and legacy of St. Jerome.
In his homily, Fr. Nabaasa Venansio drew parallels between the life of St. Jerome and the students' own experiences, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and determination. He highlighted St. Jerome's contributions to Christianity, including translating the Bible into Latin, and encouraged learners to emulate his example. By doing so, Fr. Nabaasa aimed to inspire students to work hard and strive for excellence in their academic pursuits.
Byamukama Alphonse, the Headteacher of St. Jerome SS-Ndama, expressed gratitude to the Almighty for the blessings the school has received since its inception in 1987. He noted that the school not only celebrates St. Jerome as a patron but also as a model of learning and dedication. Alphonse emphasized that recognizing and rewarding academic achievement is essential in motivating learners to excel in both academics and co-curricular activities.
Veteran teachers, including Atwongire Peter and Frank Rwemizaano, who were among the first staff members when the school opened, shared their experiences and early challenges. Despite the difficulties, they credited St. Jerome's spirit of perseverance for the school's progress and growth over the years. Their stories served as a testament to the school's commitment to its values and mission.
The anniversary celebrations included the recognition of outstanding students who achieved academic excellence. Senior Six students who scored 20 points in the previous year received UGX 1,000,000 to support their university preparation, while those with above 16 points received UGX 500,000. These awards aimed to motivate students to continue striving for excellence and to pursue their educational goals with renewed enthusiasm.
The event concluded on a note of hope and commitment, with students, staff, and parents reaffirming their dedication to the school's values and mission. The celebrations demonstrated the importance of faith, excellence, and perseverance in the lives of students and the broader community. By honoring St. Jerome's legacy, the school community reinforced its commitment to providing quality education and fostering personal growth.
As St. Jerome SS-Ndama looks to the future, the school remains focused on providing a well-rounded education that prepares students for success in various aspects of life. With a strong foundation in faith, academic excellence, and perseverance, the school is poised to continue making a positive impact in the lives of its students and the wider community.
Key points
- St. Jerome SS-Ndama celebrated its 39th anniversary with a Mass, messages of inspiration, and recognition of academic achievement.
- The school's patron saint, St. Jerome, was honored for his contributions to Christianity and his legacy of perseverance and determination.
- The event included awards for outstanding students, with UGX 1,000,000 and UGX 500,000 presented to Senior Six students who achieved academic excellence.
