The Kisoro District Education Officer, Mwumvaneza Emmanuel, has commended Nyakinama Seed Secondary School Headteacher Gatangaza Shafati for his leadership and contribution to the development of education.
Mwumvaneza made the remarks on Monday during an interview with the media, describing Shafati as one of the teachers in Uganda making a difference in the education sector.
He described Shafati as a gentle, kind, developmental and strategic leader who is cooperative, disciplined, hardworking and committed to changing students’ behaviour while serving as an example to the teaching staff.
Mwumvaneza said Shafati had demonstrated the ability to manage bigger schools through his efforts to lobby for the welfare of teachers and learners and his cooperation with the school management committee, Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) and Board of Governors.
He said Shafati’s leadership and commitment to school development make him an important asset to the education sector.
The Chairperson of the Nyakinama Seed Secondary School Board of Governors, Charles Bigira Kamuhanda, also praised Shafati for his contribution to the development of the school.
Kamuhanda said the school’s enrollment had increased to 667 learners under Shafati’s leadership.He said Shafati had also used opportunities such as attending different religious gatherings and prayer meetings to encourage parents to enroll their children at the school.
According to Kamuhanda, Shafati’s cooperation with teachers, learners and parents had encouraged parents to participate in decisions aimed at developing the school, particularly during school meetings.
He contrasted this with the leadership of the former headteacher, whom he said had faced difficulties working with students and teachers.
Student leaders at Nyakinama Seed Secondary School said Shafati regularly interacts with students and monitors classes to ensure teachers are present and teaching.
They said the approach had helped reduce absenteeism and class dodging among both teachers and students.
The student leaders also said Shafati regularly invites health workers to the school to sensitise girls about preventing early pregnancy and encourage them to undergo health testing.
Shafati said he was introducing new initiatives at the school in collaboration with parents and teachers.He said the initiatives were aimed at ensuring the school remains secure and clean, improving its infrastructure, increasing enrollment and promoting the overall development of the school.
