The management of St. Mary’s Ediofe Girls Secondary School in Arua City, backed by former students and Board of Governors, is seeking 1.7 billion shillings to construct and equip an ICT block to enhance research and innovation in line with the new competence-based curriculum.
Currently, the school, which has an enrolment of 1,300 learners, relies on a computing facility that accommodates only 60 students at a time, limiting access to ICT equipment most of its learners.
According to the school management, this challenge affects learners’ performance in practical lessons, particularly following the implementation of new curriculum which was rolled out by Ministry of Education and Sports that requires competency-based assessment of learners.
Sr. Acan Josephine, the Head Teacher, says that the facility would help improve learners’ research and innovation under the new competence-based curriculum, and help teachers deliver lessons. Since last term, the school has been holding meetings to prepare for implementation of the plan and identify ways of raising funds to ensure construction works begin and necessary equipment, including computers, are procured and installed.
The school management and former students have agreed to hold an ICT Run on 19th September 2026 as main fundraising strategy to raise the required 1.7 billion shillings in which participants buy running kits at 30,000 shillings each.
The Central Organising Committee for the run, which was initiated by former students of the school, hopes to achieve the fundraising target over three years, beginning with this year’s maiden run, followed by similar events in 2027 and 2028.
Old Girls’ Association Chairperson Tajiri Maxnovitch Juliet says the school has struggled for decades with inadequate ICT equipment and laboratory facilities amid increasing enrolment and a new curriculum that requires greately improved technology facility.
Tajiri explains that proceeds from the first run will be channelled towards construction of foundation for the ICT block. The walling stage is expected to be funded through collections from next year’s run while the third run will finance roofing, finishing works and the procurement of equipment.
She also reveals that the team will extend its resource mobilisation strategy beyond organising runs by writing project proposals targeting development organisations, government institutions and individuals for support.
Meanwhile, a member of the school’s Board of Governors, Alesi Judith, acknowledges challenges that the school is facing in aligning teaching and learning with the new competence-based curriculum, particularly in ICT.
She says that once the facility is constructed and equipped, it will also benefit girls outside the school, especially those in other schools within Arua Diocese that face similar challenges in accessing ICT equipment for teaching and learning.
Dr. Robert Candia, a member of Central Organising Committee for the fundraising run, encourages public to join this initiative and participate in the event, saying that it will also provide health and networking benefits.
The ICT Run will be hosted by 2ambe Health Club at 2ambe Sports Arena in Arua City on 19th September 2026 where participants will start the run in 2-kilometre and 2.5-kilometre categories on different streets within the city. The run aims to raise funds towards 1.7-billion-shilling budget for construction and equipping of the ICT block-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
