Bushenyi, Uganda – Students from Kyeizooba Girls Secondary School in Bushenyi district today benefited from a visit to the Ntambiko Crafts and Skilling Center, located in Katungu Cell, Nyakabirizi Division.
The Senior Six and Senior Four Art and Design students gained firsthand experience of the practical applications of their coursework, learning about the centre’s initiatives and local craft techniques.
Established three years ago, Ntambiko Crafts Centre has quickly become a valuable resource for students, tourists, and cultural preservation. The centre provides hands-on learning, allowing students to create practical items like water pots, statues, and paintings using local materials.
This approach directly bridges classroom theory with real-world application, developing crucial practical skills. Beyond education, the center promotes cultural heritage, showcasing traditional crafts and techniques to tourists and offering economic opportunities for the community.
Founder Can. Hon. Mary Karooro Okurut was thrilled by the school visit. She highlighted the importance of aligning the centre’s work with the new skills-based curriculum, emphasizing that practical skills are essential for national development. “We can’t rely solely on book knowledge,” she stated. “We need to equip our youth with practical skills, like crafting water pots, creating statues, and painting. This empowers them to be self-sufficient, not just office workers.”
James Mugarura, Head of the Art and Design Department at Kyeizooba Girls, emphasized that the visit would enhance students’ practical skills applicable both in school and at home. Senior Four student Ampaire Queen Lisa noted that the centre inspired them to create their own crafts, potentially generating income. She added that the new ideas gained from the centre will prove helpful.
The visit demonstrates the positive impact of Ntambiko Crafts Centre in fostering creativity, skills development, and cultural appreciation within the Bushenyi community.
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