Maj. Gen. Dick Ulum Print, the chairman of the fundraising drive and head of the construction team, unveiled the architectural design and Bill of Quantities (BOQ) for the project, which is estimated to cost UGX 166,000,000.
The administration, leaders, and parents of Atyak Seed Secondary School in West Nile have launched an initiative to construct a modern dormitory that will accommodate over 200 girls.
Atyak Seed Secondary School, one of the seed schools established by the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoE&S), began operations on May 6, 2022. The school has seen high enrollment, leading to increased demand for dormitory spaces for students.
The contract for the construction of the dormitory has been awarded to Café Engineering Works Limited, which is expected to complete the project within the first term. In the meantime, some students are being housed in teachers' quarters and classrooms.
Maj. Gen. Dick Ulum Print, the chairman of the fundraising drive and head of the construction team, unveiled the architectural design and Bill of Quantities (BOQ) for the project, which is estimated to cost UGX 166,000,000.
He stated that funds are being raised from friends, with parents contributing UGX 50,000 each to support the initiative. The goal is to ensure that the girls will be accommodated in the dormitory by the second term.
Headteacher Ucwiyuwun Winnifred emphasized that girls at the school are exposed to various community social challenges, and the new dormitory will offer protection from the risks posed by some errant community members.
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Cue-out: “…challenges of the school.”//
Eng. Candia Erick of Café Engineering Limited, speaking during the fundraising drive, urged the team to ensure that materials such as sand, stones, aggregates, and bricks are delivered to the site before the rainy season begins.
As of Saturday, the team had raised UGX 9,316,000 in cash, with additional pledges of UGX 38,495,000 expected to be collected this month. In-kind contributions included 22 bags of cement, 2 iron sheets, and 10 trips of sand for the construction site.
The project has garnered support from several prominent local leaders, including Lawrence Biyika Songa, Member of Parliament (MP) for Ora County and Chairman of the Climate Change Committee, Okoro County MP Gabriel Ukumu, Denis Olyeko, an aspiring candidate for Padyere County in Nebbi District, and Bishop Sanctus Lino Wanok.
During the fundraising event on Saturday, Songa encouraged the community to embrace education, highlighting the opportunities presented by the new school and the government's efforts.
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Songa also advised the headteacher to write to the Permanent Secretary to request that the school be connected to electricity and water. Zombo District LCV Chairman James Uyulu Uruna confirmed the challenges faced by the school and assured the community of his support in ensuring the timely completion of the dormitory.
Alex Pithua
Freelancer