Students turn ideas into impact at Educate Uganda Regional showcase
@Amara
Masindi, Uganda — Nine schools from Masindi and Kiryandongo districts showcased their innovative school projects during the Educate Regional Exhibition held at Kabalega Secondary School, Masindi. The event, themed “Problem-Solving Mindset,” was organized by Educate Uganda, a non-governmental organization dedicated to empowering youth to become leaders and entrepreneurs across Africa.
According to Ms. Kusiima Harriet, the Educate Field Operator for Masindi and Kiryandongo, the organization currently operates in 18 schools across the two districts. She explained that the regional exhibition followed a series of in-school exhibitions where top projects were evaluated and selected. “We identified the best nine schools to represent their innovations at the regional level, and we are proud that all managed to participate,” she said.
The participating schools included:
Kabalega Secondary School (host), Masindi Army Secondary School, Masindi Secondary School, Bright High School, Kinyara High School, Blessed Comboni Secondary School, Kinyara Secondary School, Ikoba Girls Secondary School, and Nyangahya Community Secondary School.
Students exhibited a variety of creative products such as liquid soap, mosquito repellents, bangles, craft shoes, paper bags, chapatis, food warmers, decorative plants, suggestion boxes, dustbins, charcoal briquettes, and doormats. These were made from locally available and recyclable materials including plastic bottles, polythene bags, sacks, cow dung, clay, cassava flour, paper, and wood.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Olupot Richard, the Human Resource Manager at Educate Uganda, emphasized that the main goal of the exhibition was to prepare students for life beyond academics.
“We want students to realize that they can create their own opportunities instead of depending solely on job hunting,” he said. “This exhibition is not about competition, but about learning, exploring potential, and inspiring innovation among the youth.”
Mr. Katusiime Jackson, the Headteacher of Kabalega Secondary School, welcomed all participants and commended Educate Uganda for its long-term impact.
“Educate has evolved tremendously over the past ten years,” he said. “Students should not go to school just to become job seekers but to become job creators. The curriculum has already changed—think about the problems you can solve and the value you can provide to your community.”
He also praised the students’ creativity, particularly the liquid soap made by Blessed Comboni Secondary School, which stood out for its color and scent. Mr. Katusiime encouraged learners to collaborate, share ideas, and expand their innovations to the market, helping to address challenges such as environmental degradation and unemployment.
After thorough evaluation, Masindi Army Secondary School emerged as the overall winner, followed by Kinyara Secondary School as first runners-up, and Ikoba Girls Secondary School as second runners-up. Judges assessed the projects based on merit, innovation, creativity, and presentation.
Mr. Akampura Sam, a hosting mentor overseeing three schools, expressed excitement as two of his schools made it to the top three. He announced that winners would receive UGX 300,000, UGX 200,000, and UGX 100,000 respectively, along with awards and certificates. He also urged schools to improve time management in future exhibitions.
Ms. Kemigisa Joanita, the club coordinator for Masindi Army Secondary School, thanked her team for their teamwork, creativity, innovation, perseverance, and commitment to environmental conservation, which led them to victory. She also appreciated Educate Uganda for transforming students’ mindsets and equipping them with entrepreneurial skills.
“I encourage every student who hasn’t joined an Educate Club to do so. The program is life-changing,” she said.
Closing the event, Ms. Kusiima Harriet applauded all participants and described the exhibition as “an inspiring and interactive experience” that showcased the creativity and resilience of young innovators.
