Rubirizi,Uganda – Student leaders in schools have been urged to serve with integrity, be role models, set good examples, and maintain good conduct. They are expected to act as a link or bridge between students and school administration to ensure the smooth running of school activities.
Prefects took an oath and received orientation, committing to serve with dedication and promote the welfare of students and the general development of the school.
This call was made by Mr. Katumba Gordon Javira, the Headteacher of Ryeru Seed School, during the inauguration and swearing-in ceremony for new student leaders. The event aimed to strengthen education and the relationship between students and management in schools.
Mr. Katumba Gordon reminded the school prefects of their key roles:
1. **Link students and the school:** To ensure cooperation and communication.
2. **Maintain student discipline:** To ensure students follow school rules and behave well.
3. **Manage school property properly:** To ensure school property is well protected.
4. **Mobilize learners:** To encourage parents to send children to school and support academic work.
5. **Be a bridge:** To act as a link between students and the school administration, ensuring school programs run smoothly.
During the meeting, Hon. Katinama Umar, the Deputy Headteacher in charge of academics at Ryeru Seed School, addressed the prefects. He asked them to be role models in smartness and good conduct, work with dedication, and be responsible leaders. He emphasized that the authority given to them is for serving others, not for showing off, and stressed the importance of maintaining good conduct while serving as a bridge between students and administrators.
He further noted that when prefects perform their duties with integrity, schools will grow, discipline will improve, academic performance will get better, and school programs will run smoothly.
Mr. Nyesiga Edward, a patron prefect at Ryeru Seed School, urged the leaders to be role models, ensure student welfare, and support the development of the school.
He explained the roles and responsibilities expected of prefects, which include supporting the school administration, maintaining school discipline, and presenting student concerns to management. He offered words of encouragement to the new leaders, stating that they have been given a significant responsibility, not just a title. He urged them to be role models in smartness, responsibility, discipline, and hard work to perform their duties as school leaders and ensure quality education. He also advised them to be obedient and respectful to fellow learners and the administration, and to balance leadership with academics, as student leaders are the eyes, ears, and voices of the students, tasked with making Ryeru Seed School proud.
Mr. Kiiza Paulino, one of the board members of Ryeru Seed School, urged student leaders to uphold discipline, promote academic excellence, and be good ambassadors for the school.
Meanwhile, elected prefects from Ryeru Seed School pledged to serve with commitment, protect their fellow students, and carry out their duties with honesty and responsibility.
The student leaders committed themselves to serve, believing that leadership is about helping, not commanding. The prefects vowed to bring a positive impact to the school through peace and discipline, improve academic performance, support the smooth running of school programs, and enhance the school’s reputation.
Story Compiled by: Tugume Muzafaru, Senior Reporter in Rubirizi District
