Sr Abiyo Has Been Everything to St Mary's Assumpta Girls

After more than 30 years of dedicated service, Sr. Rebecca Abiyo, a member of the Missionary Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church, is set to retire, leaving behind a legacy of commitment to education and spiritual growth.

At 58 years old, Sr Rebecca Abiyo is preparing to step down after over 15 years of transformative leadership as headteacher at St Mary’s Assumpta Girls’ Secondary School in Adjumani District.

Having joined the Missionary Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church over three decades ago, Sr Abiyo’s commitment to education and spiritual growth has left a lasting legacy.

Under her guidance, the school has seen a significant rise in student enrollment, improved infrastructure, and the introduction of A-Level education.

A passionate educator, Sr Abiyo began her journey with the Missionary Sisters over three decades ago, combining her religious calling with a drive to uplift girls' education in Uganda.

“When I joined the congregation, my focus was not only on serving the Church but also on making a meaningful impact on the lives of young women through education,” she reflects.

Over the years, Sr Abiyo’s efforts have garnered praise from colleagues, students, and community members alike. Her leadership is credited with turning St Mary’s Assumpta into one of the top-performing schools in Adjumani District.

As she prepares for retirement, Sr Abiyo continues to be celebrated for her unwavering commitment to both her faith and the future of education in Uganda.

A Walk into Dedicated Service

The tinge of pride in her voice and smile in unmistakable when Sr Abiyo starts speaking about her journey as an educator. The white cassock would already give her all the dignity but she is beyond that - she is motherly in every sense of the word.

Born on April 4, 1966, in Ataboo Village, Adjumani District, Sr Abiyo is the second of nine children.

Her father, Paul Oyo, a retired headteacher, and her mother, Perina Muraa, a farmer and businesswoman, nurtured her passion for education.

After completing her Uganda Certificate of Education at St Mary’s Assumpta Girls’ Secondary School, she pursued further studies at Trinity College Nabbingo and went on to earn a Diploma in Education from Kyambogo University, followed by a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Makerere University and a Master’s degree in Education Management from Walsh University, Ohio.

Yet despite all the rich professional CV, it is at Assumpta where the educator who also holds a diploma in gender, refugee, and migrants dedicated her 'servitude' life.

Sr Abiyo’s teaching career began in 1993 at Atapara Secondary School. She later moved to St Mary’s Seminary of Torit Diocese (refugees in Adjumani District) and then to Iceme Girls’ Secondary School in Oyam District, where she became acting headteacher in 2002.

In 2007, she was appointed headteacher of St. Mary’s Assumpta Girls’ Secondary School.

“When I arrived, there were only 90 students, and I quickly set a target to improve enrollment and standards,” Sr Abiyo recalls.

By addressing key challenges, she led the school’s growth into a fully-fledged boarding institution for girls.

Sr Abiyo achieved impressive milestones at St Mary’s Assumpta Girls’ Secondary School, including:

• - Increasing student enrollment from 90 to 672 across both O and A levels
• - Converting the school into a girls-only institution in 2008
• - Successfully lobbying for support from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), resulting in the construction of dormitories, classrooms, and water systems
• - Spearheading fundraising efforts to build a dining hall and fence the school premises
• - Introducing A-Level education in 2011, starting with an intake of 18 students
• - Securing internet connectivity for the school
• - Acquiring a school truck and bus to facilitate student transportation through parent contributions.

Her leadership has been instrumental in turning the school into a hub for girls’ education, with a strong focus on academic achievement and community development.

Challenges Along the Way

Despite her accomplishments, Sr Abiyo faced significant challenges. She was accused of keeping ghost teachers and encountered attempts to disrupt her work through forged letters from individuals claiming to be from the Ministry of Education.

Additionally, allegations of corruption surfaced from former board members, but she was eventually cleared of all charges.

Sr Abiyo’s journey to sisterhood began in 1979 when she attended a spiritual profession led by the Missionary Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church in Pakele Catholic Parish.

In 1986, she took her vows after completing her O-level education, embarking on a spiritual path that has intertwined with her dedication to teaching.

Beyond her role as headteacher, Sr Abiyo has contributed to various initiatives, including serving as Chairperson of the West Nile Academic Committee and Treasurer for West Nile Music, Dance, and Drama under Arua Diocese.

What Others Say

Ms Assumpta Tibesigwa, a teacher at the school, praises Sr Abiyo for her mentorship and encouragement for staff to pursue further studies.

Her younger sister, Rhoda Mesiku, commends her for her strong public relations skills and deep commitment to both spiritual and academic duties.

Ms Jennifer Apaaro, the school’s Board chairperson, describes her as a “go-getter,” highlighting her relentless passion for girls’ education and her ability to work effectively with various stakeholders.

Former student Gloria Izama and Rev Father Emmanuel Asega also speak highly of Sr. Abiyo’s leadership and dedication to education.

The Future of St Mary’s Assumpta Girls’ Secondary School

Today, St Mary’s Assumpta Girls’ Secondary School stands as a beacon of hope for young women in Adjumani District.

The school, known for its excellence in sciences, arts, and humanities, integrates Christian values into its curriculum.

Despite facing resource and infrastructure challenges, it continues to prepare students for higher education and professional careers.

In a recent development, Sr Abiyo successfully lobbied for scholarships and bursaries exclusively for A-level students starting next year, further cementing her legacy of commitment to the school and its future.

As Sr Abiyo nears her well-deserved retirement, her contributions to the spiritual and academic growth of St Mary’s Assumpta Girls’ Secondary School will remain a cornerstone of the institution’s success for years to come.