South Sudanese refugee students at Nyumanzi Secondary School in Nyumanzi Refugee Settlement, Dzaipi Sub-county, Adjumani District, have praised the Government of Uganda for providing a peaceful and conducive environment that has enabled them to continue their education despite fleeing conflict in their homeland.
The learners said Uganda’s open-door refugee policy, together with support from development partners and host communities, has restored their hope for a better future and provided them with an opportunity to pursue their dreams.
They said once lasting peace returns to South Sudan, they intend to return home and use the knowledge and skills acquired through education to contribute to rebuilding their country.
Seventeen-year-old Athok Garang Ajak, a Senior Three student, said she aspires to become a medical doctor and contribute to improving healthcare services in South Sudan.
“Uganda has given us peace and the opportunity to study without fear. My dream is to become a doctor and return home to serve my people. Education is giving us hope for a better future,” Athok said.
Another Senior Three student, 18-year-old John Akuoch Akot, said he hopes to become a politician who will promote peace and development in South Sudan.
“We are studying peacefully because Uganda welcomed us. When I finish my education, I want to return to South Sudan and help build a peaceful and united nation through good leadership,” Akuoch said.
The students made the remarks during Nyumanzi Secondary School’s leadership handover ceremony and the welcoming of new students held under the theme, “Leading with Integrity, Serving with Commitment.”
The Headteacher of Nyumanzi Secondary School, Monica Apio, said the school currently has 681 learners, comprising 465 refugees and 216 Ugandan nationals, reflecting its commitment to inclusive education and peaceful coexistence.
She said some vulnerable refugee and national students are benefiting from scholarships provided by implementing partners, enabling them to remain in school and continue their studies.
Apio explained that the school was established in 2018 by South Sudanese refugees with support from the host community, which provided land for its construction. Since then, the institution has grown into an important centre of learning serving both refugee and host community students.
“We continue to provide quality education to learners regardless of their background. Our goal is to nurture responsible leaders who will positively transform their communities,” Apio said.
The Dzaipi Sub-county LC III Chairperson, James Ondoga Okido, said Nyumanzi Secondary School is promoting peaceful coexistence by bringing refugee and host community learners together in one learning environment.
“Nyumanzi Secondary School accommodates both national and refugee learners, which is promoting peaceful coexistence. A community school like Nyumanzi supplements government efforts in the education sector by bringing education services closer to communities,” Okido said.
The Adjumani District LC V Vice Chairperson, Geoffrey Obulejo, who officiated as the chief guest, commended the peaceful relationship between refugees and host communities, saying education remains a key tool for promoting peace and development.
He encouraged the newly sworn-in student leaders to serve with integrity, discipline and humility while inspiring their colleagues to excel academically.
A co-founder of Nyumanzi Secondary School, Daniel Chol Arok, said the vision behind establishing the school was to ensure that both refugees and Ugandan nationals have access to education and opportunities to become productive members of society.
“Our dream was to create a place where both refugees and nationals can study together, gain knowledge and become productive members of society,” Arok said.
According to the Office of the Prime Minister, Nyumanzi Refugee Settlement hosts more than 49,000 refugees, mainly from South Sudan, who continue to live peacefully alongside the host community.
The ceremony brought together officials from the Office of the Prime Minister, district education authorities, development partners, parents and community leaders. It featured the handover of leadership by outgoing prefects, the swearing-in of new student leaders, cultural performances and the official welcoming of new students.