JINJA, UGANDA – June 5, 2025 – Jinja College is proud to announce the upcoming establishment of a cutting-edge Digital Innovation Hub on its campus, a transformative project in partnership with ENABEL, the Belgian development agency. This initiative, part of ENABEL’s Digital Innovation for Education Scaling Project, is set to significantly enhance teaching and learning methodologies throughout Eastern Uganda, beginning with Jinja City.

To kick start this ambitious project, Jinja College hosted a dynamic workshop today for teachers from several partner schools. The training focused on the productive use and maintenance of the digital tools and resources that will form the core of the new hub.

The workshop was officially opened by Ms. Nafula Elizabeth, the Deputy Head Teacher for welfare, careers, and co-curricular activities. In her opening remarks, she expressed profound gratitude for ENABEL’s deep commitment to Uganda’s development, with a special mention of their focus on the Eastern region and Jinja in particular.

“We are thrilled to embark on this journey with ENABEL,” said Ms. Nafula. “This Digital Innovation Hub will be a cornerstone in modernizing our educational landscape. I urge all participating teachers to absorb these new skills and cascade this knowledge to their colleagues. Jinja College offers its full and unwavering support to this project, and we eagerly anticipate the positive impact it will have on our students and teachers.”

The partner schools participating in this foundational workshop included Masese Seed Secondary School, PMM Girls’ School, Jinja Senior Secondary School, and the host, Jinja College. The engagement and enthusiasm from the attendees underscored their readiness to integrate modern digital tools into their teaching practices.

Facilitators from ENABEL, led by Mr. Bart Cornille and Mr. Owiny Moses, outlined the exciting next steps. They announced that the renovation of the designated building for the hub is scheduled to commence within days.

Mr. Owiny also provided a glimpse into the impressive array of technology the Digital Innovation Hub will feature, including:

•             Over 50 computers

•             Mobile digital toolkits for each partner school

•             State-of-the-art projectors and smart boards

•             Stable, high-speed, unlimited internet access

This initiative represents a sigJINJA, UGANDA – June 5, 2025 – Jinja College is proud to announce the upcoming establishment of a cutting-edge Digital Innovation Hub on its campus, a transformative project in partnership with ENABEL, the Belgian development agency. This initiative, part of ENABEL’s Digital Innovation for Education Scaling Project, is set to significantly enhance teaching and learning methodologies throughout Eastern Uganda, beginning with Jinja City.

To kick start this ambitious project, Jinja College hosted a dynamic workshop today for teachers from several partner schools. The training focused on the productive use and maintenance of the digital tools and resources that will form the core of the new hub.

The workshop was officially opened by Ms. Nafula Elizabeth, the Deputy Head Teacher for welfare, careers, and co-curricular activities. In her opening remarks, she expressed profound gratitude for ENABEL’s deep commitment to Uganda’s development, with a special mention of their focus on the Eastern region and Jinja in particular.

“We are thrilled to embark on this journey with ENABEL,” said Ms. Nafula. “This Digital Innovation Hub will be a cornerstone in modernizing our educational landscape. I urge all participating teachers to absorb these new skills and cascade this knowledge to their colleagues. Jinja College offers its full and unwavering support to this project, and we eagerly anticipate the positive impact it will have on our students and teachers.”

The partner schools participating in this foundational workshop included Masese Seed Secondary School, PMM Girls’ School, Jinja Senior Secondary School, and the host, Jinja College. The engagement and enthusiasm from the attendees underscored their readiness to integrate modern digital tools into their teaching practices.

Facilitators from ENABEL, led by Mr. Bart Cornille and Mr. Owiny Moses, outlined the exciting next steps. They announced that the renovation of the designated building for the hub is scheduled to commence within days.

Mr. Owiny also provided a glimpse into the impressive array of technology the Digital Innovation Hub will feature, including:

•             Over 50 computers

•             Mobile digital toolkits for each partner school

•             State-of-the-art projectors and smart boards

•             Stable, high-speed, unlimited internet access

This initiative represents a significant leap forward in providing equitable access to digital education and fostering a new generation of innovators and thinkers in the region. The Digital Innovation Hub at Jinja College is poised to become a beacon of educational excellence and technological advancement for Eastern Uganda.JINJA, UGANDA – June 5, 2025 – Jinja College is proud to announce the upcoming establishment of a cutting-edge Digital Innovation Hub on its campus, a transformative project in partnership with ENABEL, the Belgian development agency. This initiative, part of ENABEL’s Digital Innovation for Education Scaling Project, is set to significantly enhance teaching and learning methodologies throughout Eastern Uganda, beginning with Jinja City.

To kick start this ambitious project, Jinja College hosted a dynamic workshop today for teachers from several partner schools. The training focused on the productive use and maintenance of the digital tools and resources that will form the core of the new hub.

The workshop was officially opened by Ms. Nafula Elizabeth, the Deputy Head Teacher for welfare, careers, and co-curricular activities. In her opening remarks, she expressed profound gratitude for ENABEL’s deep commitment to Uganda’s development, with a special mention of their focus on the Eastern region and Jinja in particular.

“We are thrilled to embark on this journey with ENABEL,” said Ms. Nafula. “This Digital Innovation Hub will be a cornerstone in modernizing our educational landscape. I urge all participating teachers to absorb these new skills and cascade this knowledge to their colleagues. Jinja College offers its full and unwavering support to this project, and we eagerly anticipate the positive impact it will have on our students and teachers.”

The partner schools participating in this foundational workshop included Masese Seed Secondary School, PMM Girls’ School, Jinja Senior Secondary School, and the host, Jinja College. The engagement and enthusiasm from the attendees underscored their readiness to integrate modern digital tools into their teaching practices.

Facilitators from ENABEL, led by Mr. Bart Cornille and Mr. Owiny Moses, outlined the exciting next steps. They announced that the renovation of the designated building for the hub is scheduled to commence within days.

Mr. Owiny also provided a glimpse into the impressive array of technology the Digital Innovation Hub will feature, including:

•             Over 50 computers

•             Mobile digital toolkits for each partner school

•             State-of-the-art projectors and smart boards

•             Stable, high-speed, unlimited internet access

This initiative represents a significant leap forward in providing equitable access to digital education and fostering a new generation of innovators and thinkers in the region. The Digital Innovation Hub at Jinja College is poised to become a beacon of educational excellence and technological advancement for Eastern Uganda.nificant leap forward in providing equitable access to digital education and fostering a new generation of innovators and thinkers in the region. The Digital Innovation Hub at Jinja College is poised to become a beacon of educational excellence and technological advancement for Eastern Uganda.

The day commenced with the arrival of the Old Boys, as they eagerly stepped foot onto familiar grounds once again. The college’s atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as alumni from different generations shared warm embraces and lively conversations. It was a sight to behold as friendships were rekindled and memories were shared, reflecting the strong bond that exists among the Jinja College community.

To honor the occasion, a Holy Mass was held to offer gratitude for the education received and to remember those who had passed away. The solemn ceremony provided a moment of reflection, reminding the attendees of the values instilled during their time at Jinja College.

Following the Mass, introductions and speeches took center stage. The Head Teacher, welcomed the Old Boys and expressed his gratitude for their continued support. He highlighted the college’s achievements and shared his vision for its future growth and development. The speeches were met with resounding applause, as the alumni showed their appreciation for their alma mater’s progress.

One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of gifts to the long-serving staff members who had dedicated years of service to Jinja College. The Old Boys expressed their deep gratitude to these individuals, acknowledging their tireless efforts in shaping the lives of generations of students. The emotional moments brought tears to many eyes, as the impact of these educators was recognized and celebrated.

To further celebrate the occasion, a delicious lunch was served, bringing everyone together around tables filled with delectable dishes. Laughter and conversations filled the air as the Old Boys enjoyed their meal, sharing stories and catching up on each other’s lives. The camaraderie and sense of community were palpable, as friendships were strengthened and new connections formed.

After the satisfying meal, the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and elections took place. This important event provided an opportunity for the Old Boys to discuss the association’s progress and make key decisions. Reports were presented, outlining the achievements and initiatives undertaken by JICOBA over the past year. The elections allowed for new leaders to be chosen, ensuring the continuity of the association’s goals and objectives.

During the day, the Old Boys also had the chance to embark on a college tour, revisiting the classrooms, dormitories, and sports facilities that had played a significant role in their formative years. The tour evoked a range of emotions as alumni reminisced about their experiences, recalling fond memories and the impact the college had on their personal and academic growth.

In true Jinja College spirit, the day included sporting activities. Football matches, basketball games fostered the old spirit of the college.

As the day drew to a close, the Old Boys bid farewell, promising to stay connected and contribute to the growth of their beloved Jinja College. The Home Coming and AGM had not only brought together a community of individuals but had also reinforced the values of unity, gratitude, and lifelong learning that Jinja College instills in its students.

To capture the essence of the day, a photo gallery has been compiled, showcasing the heartwarming moments, laughter, and reminiscences shared by the Jinja College Old Boys. The gallery serves as a visual testament to the power of education, friendship, the delightful meal, and the unwavering spirit of the Jinja College community.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Old Boys for their continued support and dedication to their alma mater. The JICOBA Home Coming and AGM 2023 will forever be etched in the annals of Jinja College history as a testament to the lasting impact of the institution and the lifelong connections it fosters.

Visit the photo gallery for more moments: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1O3nCK0dNTwvsiSaKMba6o6ux_yg4cJ4b?usp=drive_link

Most concerned parents are involved in their children’s education because they want them to be successful adults. They meet with their children’s teachers and ensure that they provide the basics on time. Some have even become Learning Coaches for their children. But as important as academic learning is, it is only one part of a child’s total education. Cultivating positive characteristics is arguably just as important.

There are a number of character traits that children need to learn to be successful in life, and to be well-rounded people. Many of these traits will not only serve children well in their adult years, but will also aid them in achieving academically. There essential character traits all children need to learn early in life and continue developing them in their adult years.

1. Curiosity (a strong desire to know and learn): Children’s’ natural curiosity can seem like an annoyance to busy parents, but it is an important trait that should not be stifled. Many of our inventors and entrepreneurs point to their natural curiosity as the roots of their successes. “Curiosity is one of the most permanent and certain characteristics of a vigorous intellect,” It can make learning more interesting and result in more active rather than passive thinking, which is good for the brain. “For too many children, curiosity fades and Curiosity dimmed is a future denied.” Be sure to encourage your children’ curiosity, take them to new places and teach them new things, let them pursue their interests, break away from routine, share open ended-stories and be curious yourself. Ask them questions to keep them interested in the world around them and answer their question.

2. Social Skills: Social interaction is a basic part of life for both children and adults. So learning appropriate social skills is essential. Children with good social skills tend to do better in school, have a better self-image and are better at resolving conflicts. Some children are born with the outgoing personality needed to get along with others, but for some, socializing may be more difficult. Just playing with others is helpful, but when social skills are a challenge, parents can use activities to build up these skills in children, such as learning to read facial expression or playing to pick up on body language.

3. Resilience (ability to be happy, successful, etc .again after something difficult or bad has happened): Life can be hard, even for children. Everyone needs some level of resilience to get through the tough times. When children learn to be resilient, they are better able to deal with the traumas and difficulties they will surely face. Many parents understandably try to shield their children from painful situations, but teaching them resilience will serve them better in the long run. If your child is having a problem in school or with friends, try problem-solving together so he learns how to manage the problem, instead of just running away from it. And parents can help children put their problems in perspective, so they learn most problems are not as big as they may first seem.

4. Integrity (quality of honest and having strong moral principles) : Often, it is not until children do something dishonest that parents have a discussion with them about what it means to have integrity. But ideally children should learn this characteristic before they are faced with challenging ethical questions. Discuss your family values with your children and try asking what your child would do if faced with ethical dilemmas, such as seeing a friend steal from another student’s desk or cheating to get better grades. Talking through these questions will help prepare a child for real life situations.

5. Resourcefulness: Resourcefulness (finding solutions to problems) is a trait that businesses look for in employees and it should be developed in childhood. When children have all their needs met, as middle class parents children usually do, they are not often called upon to be resourceful. Having the Internet and limitless apps at their fingertips is convenient, but not helpful in building resourcefulness in children. So parents should work to nurture this trait in their children. Try some activities that will help your child to be resourceful and think out-of-the-box. For example, challenge them to create new uses for old objects, such as plastic bottles, an egg carton or rubber bands.

6. Creativity: Most think of artistic expression when hearing the word “creativity,” but it encompasses more than that. It involves imagination and creative expression in whatever form that takes. In addition to academic endeavors, children should take time for creative activities, such as music, photography, theater, making creations from clay or other materials, visiting museums and nature preserves, as well as drawing and painting. Fostering creativity in children will benefit them in other ways as well, including building their communications skills, improving their cognitive abilities such as problem-solving, and developing their emotional development. Children should be given free time without the screen time (T.V) every day to develop their own creative thought. “Children without freedom to play won’t find their creative selves.”

7. Empathy: Many children value achievement or happiness over caring for others. “My parents are prouder if I get good grades than if I’m a caring community member.” It’s up to parents to encourage children’ natural sense of empathy for others and to stress the importance of caring for others as much as getting good grades. Raising an empathetic children is not just good for the community; it will also help them to have better emotional intelligence and maybe even be more successful. There are a number of ways to build your children’s empathy, including modeling empathy and expanding your children’s outer circle to include people different from themselves, and that can even include diverse characters in books and movies.

8. Assertiveness: Somewhere between being overly aggressive and painfully timid lies assertiveness. It involves being bold and confident, and speaking up when necessary but still remaining respectful. Being assertive “fosters insight, wisdom, patience, tolerance, confidence and acceptance,” “It is the necessary building block to mature and peaceful relationships between all human beings.” Steps to teach assertiveness include explaining the various communication styles and role-playing different scenarios, respect your child’s word, talk about boundaries, respect your child’s privacy, encourage them to express feelings, encourage extracurricular activities, teach your child to manage emotions and handle disappointment and teach your children to follow through.

9. Humility: There is an important balance between having positive self-esteem and remaining humble that all children and adults need to learn. In today’s parenting culture that emphasizes praise and validation, it can be a challenge to ensure that children still have humility. Children who lack humility may grow up to be arrogant adults, and no one wants that. Yet humility can be in harmony with confidence and positive self-esteem because when a child is self-assured and does not feel inferior to others, he won’t feel the need to brag about his talents and achievements. Teaching humility to children begins with modeling it. Parents should admit when they’ve made a mistake or don’t know the answer and be willing to give credit to others. Then they can encourage children to do the same. Role-playing games and praising humility when children demonstrate it is also helpful.

10. Confidence: Having positive self-esteem has a strong correlation to behavior and happiness, so teaching a child to have confidence is important. “Because there is such a strong parallel between how your child feels about himself and how he acts,”  “it is vital to discipline to raise a confident child.” realistically praising your child constantly and excessive praise is not effective but rewarding positive behavior rather than focusing on bad behavior. Also allowing children to fail at times and to overcome obstacles on their own will build their confidence for future endeavors. Remember, they won’t always have parents to help them out, and will need to believe they can face challenges on their own.

There is a lot to learn in life that goes far beyond the academics of math, sciences, literature, etc and many of these lessons must come first from parents in the home. Be sure your children learn these important life lessons so they’ll be well-rounded, happy and successful adults! My dear parents, there is far more to securing a good education for your child than simply getting a place at the best school in the region, schools and teachers can only turn children into terrific learners if those children’s parents are laying down the foundations at home that will encourage children to step up to the challenges of the classroom.

Self-discipline: Child’s ability to control their impulses appears to lead to better health, wealth and mental happiness in later life. In school, self-discipline is central. Great learners need to listen, absorb and think. They need to keep going through difficult patches, stick at hard tasks, manage their time well and keep mental focus. Children who bounce about the classroom shouting the first answer that comes into their heads will never be great learners. Of course, a joyless, overly controlled child will never be one either. Balance matters. All children need to develop a functioning “internal locus of control”.

Conclusion

Parenting is not a course of Study, it is not Skill-training Programme, it is not an art, and it is not a business but is a natural love and mutual understanding between you and your children. Let us have bigger hearts for our children, Let us have a better understanding of our children, Let us take right decision at right time, Let us still be not late, Let us see our life (children) does not run out of our hands, Let us join our hearts and heads to understand them. Please stop underestimating your child instead start understanding the child. Say no to comparison. Education is not life but education is part of life. Gift them character and best personality but not cars, money and Properties. Be the best parent. Check your environment and your child’s emotions. Every child is gifted with some talent. Identify your child’s talent. Don’t expect your child to understand you! Instead, understand your child and give what he wants the best not what you can give him the best. Don’t handicap your children by making their lives easy. Do not forget that the child’s first school is parent’s lap.

A real parent is the one who helps his children to eradicate their personality defects and imbibe good qualities. However, today’s parents feel that buying costly clothes, eatables, large sums of pocket money and paying high fees for coaching classes are their only duties. They fail to understand that these things make the children desirous of only worldly pleasures. These pleasures nurture defects in them. So, parents have to introspect whether they are giving true education to their children. It is the duty of parents to help their children to imbibe good qualities and thus, lead a happy life.

Only happy parents can generate a happy generation. In order to create good subconscious impressions on children’s mind there should be good communication between the parents and children. Only parents who are free from stress can teach their children to live a stress-free life. They can communicate with their child easily. Children do not feel like talking to parents who are always under stress. They do not feel like conveying their ideas, thoughts and problems to such parents. Hence, it is necessary that the parents remain stress-free.

No one is available to listen to the problems faced by the children. Parents are busy with their work, whereas teachers are only concerned about completing their syllabus. As a result, children are mentally confused. They lose respect and faith in their parents. Parents are stressed because children do not listen to them. Casual talk brings them together. So, it is very essential that parents take out time to sit and talk casually with your children. This will help in minimizing stress and will result in happiness.

To have a stress free home then; Stop living in the past, avoid Negative talks & approach, accept your mistakes in front of your children, Stop Constantly trying to find faults with the children, stop Speaking authoritatively, explain properly to them, and communicate always with your children.

GOD BLESS YOU

Adequately providing for the family has always been a challenge. There are three important needs for any household ie. Material, emotional and Spiritual. How have you (head of the household) genuinely provided the family the above?

“Material needs” This is where we always begin from, every one of us has provided food, clothing and shelter to our children as basic needs and others who have sizable income have also provided the wants. Many of us may think that we have completed the Job by providing such, but sincerely the job is not done. A good provider will not give the children everything they want. You should not fulfill every desire, there must be some limitations. Parents, if a child makes a request, that request may be un-wise if it results in a lack of discipline or a lack of self-control. Parents who have sizable income may give their children everything they need and most of what they want in order to boost their own personal pride. As a resultof the need to have more, both parents are now working harder and harder, longer and longer hours, to keep up with the payments on all their possessions and providing all what their family members need. What happens to the children in the meantime? They will have everything, the biggest house etc, but it may also be the loneliest house, not a real home as it should be. Children need their parents and their parents’ love and attention more than they need more things. It is difficult to keep your children on your team if you are never with them. “The development of a strong character must be emphasized and rewarded in the home”, where the teacher is a parent.

“Emotional needs”. We as parents are responsible for providing our family’s emotional needs. This involves parents proving love for the family, love has many meanings but a good provider is one who builds into children a sense of belonging, a sense of worthiness, and a sense of confidence. If a parent relates well with the children, intimately involved with them, and enjoys with them the material wealth that God has given, that person do shows love for the children and is being a good provider for emotional needs.

A sense of belonging is the first feeling that should be conveyed to children. Everyone needs to feel a sense of belonging, a sense of being accepted and wanted in the family. If you are going to build stability, strength and security within children, you need to make them feel part of the family. Watch what you utter out before children. “The greatest motivation in the world for learning is praise”. It’s not what you think that influences your children, it is what you communicate”. Criticism, indifference, or direct statements by the father/mother can communicate to children that they were never wanted. Feelings of rejection can cause children to seek acceptance elsewhere. Many children have joined groups which accept them but end up being harmful to them; others have developed an attitude of “me” first and “me” only; which make them end up being an unhappy, unfulfilled adult. We must help our children get the “we” feeling. That is a strong feeling of loyalty to the family, a feeling of oneness, the feeling of being a part of the family; it is a vital part of growing a strong family unit.

Convey to your children a sense of worthiness. Children who have a sense of worthiness know that they are valued and treasured as God’s gift to the family. Children need a sense of belonging within the family, before others and before God. If you have communicated your unconditional love and acceptance to your children, you have helped build up their sense of worth within the family. Your positive responses to them re-assure them of their worth to you, and they can carry this sense of self –esteem with them as they interact with others in school, at church, in clubs, and in other social settings.

Convey to children a sense of competence. Competent children will always say, “I can do it. I am adequate.  I am equipped to handle this situation”. By encouraging our children, we tell them that we believe in them and we know they are going to do their best. This kind of support will fire children’s enthusiasm and boost their self- confidence. Avoid destructive messages such as “you wont ever do anything”, etc. build confidence in your children. Remember confidence breeds confidence, and negative comments breed negative thoughts. Our children are always overwhelmed by thoughts of their unworthiness and such are always impressed on their minds and they carry them into adulthood.

Spiritual needs: We are all spiritual beings, one day we are going to stand before the living God to give an account of our lives. The children in your home are God’s gifts to you and He asks you to view them as such; these are heritage from the Lord; Psalms 127:3. An excellent provider will provide material, emotional and spiritual needs; are you trying to provide for your children while you are living in disobedience and rebellion to God? God is a great provider; let our children be trained to lean against Him. Parents must live a life that reflects responsibility to God. Prov 20:7: the righteous man walks in his integrity, his children are blessed after him.”It is not how many things you provide for your children, it is what you give them of yourself and the principals of scriptures that can never be taken away.

Questions

1. Are you a good provider or a poor provider for your children?
2. Do your children have a sense of confidence?
3. In what ways can you convey a sense of worthiness to them?
4. Have you been so caught up in trying to provide for your family’s material needs that you have neglected their emotional and spiritual needs?

Keys to positive parenting

Make a conscious decision to be a good parent. The way you handle your children carries more weight in the child’s academic performance than the best school. Know it is a full time undertaking and a God given responsibility which God holds you accountable; they will inconvenience you sometimes. Be willing to pay the price.

Service your marriage. Your relationship with your spouse sets the tune/ quality of your parenting; love your children’s mother and mothers stop harassing your children’s father, just respect  him; your marriage relationship is the first sex education that your children have; will cause your children to love or hate marriage. “As water is to crops so as are children to marriage”

Understand facts about children. Complete human beings, made in the image of God, understand everything only lack experience and have needs which you must understand. Be an example to your children, remember 80% children learn by observation, children do what you say but teenagers do what you do. Regularly visit your child’s school and understand when something bad is reported about your child.

Balance love and discipline. If you have a habit of being attentive and expressing interest, your children will not confuse your loving instruction with rejection

Be a good communicator with your children. Talk to your children, create time for each child alone and understand them, be approachable, listen to them at all times; “Nothing builds communication barriers faster than taking away a child’s right to express an opinion in the home”.

Be a more Godly person. Goodness will give you qualities and character change necessary to be a better parent. 

Don’t shift your parental responsibility or obligation to relatives, home helpers, professional or non professional teachers; they are also already burdened by their own challenges. Social structures that used to help in parenting (ie aunties, uncles, elders etc) have long been overtaken by ill-mannered celebrities, film stirs, corrupted media etc, and many have themselves not being parented.

Parenting is all about raising a God-fearing, autonomous, responsible and productive citizen who will thrive in the world and will rise to their God given potential and destiny and will make a contribution towards making the world a better place to live in.  Parenting is a difficult and challenging under taking in today’s world, but if we apply positive values and principles of parenting, we will not only enjoy bringing up our children but also they will be helped to turn out right when they grow up.

Thank you for your kind attention

ERNEST NDAWULA

JINJA COLLEGE TEACHER

Strive to Excel.