Teso Education Fund (TEF), a new NGO operating in Uganda and the UK has given out 9 scholarships to 9 students worth 60 million shs to pursue professional certificate and diploma courses.
80% of the students have been funded to study science courses including nursing, medical laboratory technology, fisheries management, and engineering courses in line with the government policy to skill young people.
The scholarship award ceremony took place in TEF office in Soroti City on the 6 March 2021. The ceremony was presided over by the Vice Chancellor of Soroti University, Prof John Robert Ikoja. Prof Ikoja was represented by the Dean of Students, Soroti University, Ms Zaitun Okot.
While addressing the beneficiaries and their family members drawn from across Teso, Ms Okot applauded TEF for a clear and inspiring mission and vision which seeks to educate, skill, and empower young people to live their lives to their full potential.
She decried the declining standards of education in Teso region. She said Teso used to boast of high education with most professors coming from the region. She said, both young and old people used to speak well in English unlike some of the regions but this is no longer the case.
She challenged beneficiaries to emulate TEF by having a mission in life. She emphasised that getting a scholarship was a responsibility because there were many expectations. She urged the beneficiaries to acquire knowledge and skills and positive attitude to succeed.
Fr Paul Ebwolu, a member of the Board of Trustees advised the beneficiaries to be focussed. He reminded the beneficiaries and their parents that the scholarship was because of sacrifice and should be used to improve the families, communities, and the country.
Mr Dickens Ojamuge, the Director of Programmes challenged the beneficiaries to avoid distractive influence during their studies. He advised them to concentrate on their studies and excel. He challenged them to continue to higher levels of education after their courses finish.
Ms Harriet Amoding, the Administration Officer, decried the gender imbalance in education. She said TEF had awarded scholarships to 20% girls compared to 80% boys. She attributed this to social issues which disadvantage girls. He promised to fight for gender equality in education.
She thanked TEF UK for mobilising the funds for the scholarships and called on other well-wishers to support the programme.
The full list of scholarship awardees, their courses, and institutions of study are:
1 Comment Found