Education Ministry Asks Stanbic to Ensure National Representation in Schools Program

The Ministry of Education and Sports has encouraged Stanbic Bank Uganda to ensure equitable national representation in its annual national schools' championship for the benefit of all learners in the country.

For the past eight years, Stanbic Bank Uganda has hosted secondary school debate competitions known as the Stanbic National School Championship. The competition aims to identify and promote talent, stimulate innovation, and recognize the best innovative idea with significant business sense and societal impact.

Additionally, it seeks to engage young people on topical social issues such as climate change and impart new skills to learners. While participation in the competition has historically been through voluntary application and selection, the ministry is advocating for a change in approach.

George Muteekanga, the Commissioner for Primary Schools and Private Institutions in the Ministry, emphasized the importance of broader participation, stating, "How are we bringing on board everybody? The country has over 5,000 secondary schools. It would be better if we had at least 10 schools from each of the thematic education areas in the country, and we want that representation because, at the end of the day, it's that national representation that will bring out the essence of the matter."

Muteekanga highlighted the disparity between the current number of participating schools and the actual demand, noting that while the competition brings pride to the ministry, its current format lacks a national character. He proposed that the competition should also promote the use of other languages recognized in the country's education system, not limited to English.

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At the launch of the 9th edition of the program, Sam Mwogeza, the Stanbic Bank Chief Executive, discussed the evolution of the initiative into a skilling program aimed at creating more job opportunities. 

He stated, "We've had eight years of this program, and it started as a debate aiming to stimulate critical thinking in young people, and that was the intent then. It has transformed into a skilling program."

According to Mwogeza, the program has made a significant impact on numerous learners and teachers across the country.

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This year's 9th edition carries the theme "Powering Innovation for Job Creation." Mwogeza emphasized the bank's belief in the potential of young people to innovate and create job opportunities when their minds are stimulated early to develop the right mindset for the future job market.

"The Stanbic National School Competition is a fitting complement to the new 'O' level curriculum launched by the ministry, as it aligns with career development and growth for both learners and teachers," Mwogeza added.

Unlike previous editions, this year's competition is expected to host up to 158 schools, accommodating a total of 100,000 students, a significant increase from the usual 60,000 participants.