Elizabeth Emejeit Onen, head teacher of Kitante Hill School, emphasizes the crucial role of motivation and parental involvement in shaping students’ academic success. With over 30 years of experience in Uganda’s education sector, Onen has dedicated her career to fostering positive change in various schools.
Career Journey and Impact
Onen’s career began at St Peters SS Nsambya, where she taught for 15 years. She later moved to Target Community College in Luwero District, facing challenges such as limited resources and underprivileged students. Despite these obstacles, Onen inspired her students to strive for better futures, emphasizing the possibility of rewriting their destinies.
Transition to Elite Schools
In 2012, Onen was posted to Makerere College School, an elite institution with well-established systems and infrastructure. Here, she benefited from mentorship and further developed her leadership skills. Her tenure at Makerere College prepared her for her next role as head teacher at Mwerere Secondary School in Wakiso District.
Innovations at Mwerere Secondary School
At Mwerere, Onen introduced significant changes, including compulsory lunch, improved library resources, and better-equipped science laboratories. She also transformed a classroom into a boys’ dormitory to support students from distant areas. These innovations led to improved academic performance and increased student enrollment.
Leadership at Kitante Hill School
Since 2018, Onen has been leading Kitante Hill School with transformative initiatives. She has enhanced school security with CCTV cameras, implemented biometric attendance tracking, and improved facilities with a new administration block and school bus. Onen also established safe drinking water points, a fully equipped sick bay, and hostels for students from distant areas.
Emphasis on Co-Curricular Activities
Onen encourages co-curricular activities, fostering a vibrant community with over 30 clubs. She believes these activities are essential for holistic student development.
Parental Involvement
Onen stresses the importance of parental involvement in children’s education. She urges parents to take an active role in raising well-mannered, responsible individuals. According to Onen, schools can support but cannot replace parental guidance.
Philanthropy and Student Support
Onen is known for her philanthropy, providing partial bursaries to students facing financial difficulties. She mobilizes resources from friends to support bright, talented students who might otherwise drop out. Her efforts have enabled many students to continue their education and achieve their academic goals.
In conclusion , Elizabeth Onen’s dedication to student motivation and parental involvement has made a significant impact on the schools she has led. Her innovative approaches and commitment to student welfare continue to inspire positive change in Uganda’s education sector.
