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Francis Akol . . . Teacher. Mentor. Technology Guru.
In talking to Francis Akol, it is clear that he is passionate about computer technology and its importance to his students. “In the 21st century, computer technology is applicable in all aspects of society – education, business, health, etc. It is important that JPSS students, like other African students, become computer literate to meet the life-after-school challenges that preside in this era of computer technology dominance.” Francis intended to pursue a career in business, but just before he entered university, he held a job which made him “fall in love with computers.” He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from Busoga University – especially difficult as he did not…
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JPSS Update – Finally, Good News
Photo of JPSS Headmaster Bwayo Moses The COVID pandemic has had a tremendous impact on students and parents here in the USA . . . but for the students of Uganda, it has been devastating! The government’s extreme shutdown did keep the virus from spreading and the death rate has been kept low but has had catastrophic effects on schools and students. Ugandan students have missed an entire year of studies. They don’t have the option of virtual or distance learning. Most do not have computers or internet at home; many don’t even have electricity. Finally, some Good News! As of October 15th, the government has given permission for three…
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Covid-19 Update . . . never a greater need for your support
For all of us, Covid-19 has been difficult and disruptive . . . but for the school children of Uganda, it has become disastrous. In Uganda, which has minimal provision for health care, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to show increased cases as well as rising deaths. Thus, the government has taken rigorous steps . . . from closing all borders to governing transportation, to restricting travel between villages and regions to closing ALL schools. All schools have been closed since March with almost no opportunities for distance or online learning. An opening of ALL schools, planned for September 21, has now been delayed until October 15 and ONLY P7, S4,…
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Welcome to Our New Pastor!
We’re happy to announce that a new Pastor/Director has been appointed to John Paul Secondary School. His name is Fr. John Chrysostom Oduc and he was born in Pallisa, which means he’s now only 7 miles from his home! Father John was ordained in 2010 and has served as assistant pastor and pastor in three other parishes before coming to serve as Pastor of St John the Baptist Church and director of JPSS. He has also served as Chairman Board of Governors of Gamatui Girls Secondary School and Dean of Budaka deanery. Father John is very happy to be joining us at JPSS and looks forward to working with the…
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Campus Update
There is no doubt that change is constant. It is also equally challenging. On return to school, our students will see a new addition to the campus. After a long construction period, due to flooding and then Covid-19 work interruptions and shutdowns, the new 160 bed Boy’s dormitory is completed and ready for occupation. It will constitute a great “Welcome back!” to our students.
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Covid-19 Update – July 2020
John Paul Secondary School is still closed by order of the Ugandan Government; we eagerly await notification for re-opening. If there has been one universal side effect to the Covid-19 pandemic, it would be “disruption.” Covid-19 has disrupted every person’s life in some manner – for Ugandan students, it has been devastating. Yet . . . it is further reinforcement of the value of John Paul Secondary School to the area. The Crisis in Uganda Virus statistics have not been as high as some other African nations – as of late July, Uganda has reported 1089 positive cases, 975 recovered with one very recent death. Nevertheless, the lack of a…
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John Paul Secondary School Celebrates its 10th Anniversary!
Paul and I recently returned from our annual visit to the school. It was wonderful seeing all the students again and to witness, first hand all the progress that occurred over the past year! This year has been a very busy one at JPSS! The campus was expanded to include a beautiful new Teacher Housing unit. This structure contains four apartments, each with its own kitchen. Two of the units are 2-bedroom and the other two units are 1-bedroom. This building is a very important addition to the school as it will allow us to attract better qualified teachers to this very…
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First a Student—–Now a Teacher
We are so excited to share this amazing story with all of you. In 2007, John Paul Secondary School first opened its doors to 14 eager students. One of those students was Lawrence Omongin. He studied at JPSS for four years and then moved on to higher education. We’re very pleased to announce that Lawrence completed his studies last year and joined the staff at JPSS as a Physics teacher! Lawrence, you are an excellent example to all the students at JPSS. They will look up to you and see that if they study hard they too can someday come back to JPSS as one of the great teachers! Congratulations…
