St. Mary's Headteacher Urges Collective Responsibility for Educational Excellence
St. Mary's Headteacher Urges Collective Responsibility for Educational Excellence
By Sr. Henriette Anne, FSSA
In the heart of Yambio, where education is a beacon of hope, St. Mary's Primary School stands as a pillar of learning, nurturing young minds and shaping the future. On Friday, December 22nd, 2023, Fr. Elia Kanido Alfred Zomai, the headteacher of St. Mary's, addressed the teachers and parents during the release of end-term results, shedding light on the challenges faced by the school and the Diocese.
The announcement began with a celebration of the successful completion of exams and the announcement of results. Fr. Elia took a moment to express gratitude to the hardworking teachers and supportive parents who contribute to the success of St. Mary's Primary School. He urged both educators and parents to consider the school not merely as an institution but as a collective responsibility, a shared endeavor for the betterment of the community.
However, beneath the surface of this celebration, Fr. Elia unveiled some economic challenges that have cast a shadow over the school's financial stability. Three significant issues were brought to the forefront, revealing the intricate web of financial struggles that St. Mary's and the Diocese are currently navigating.
The first blow came in the form of a bank robbery at the Diocesan headquarters on July 24, 2023. This unfortunate event directly impacted the school's finances, creating a ripple effect that affected the timely payment of teachers' salaries. Fr. Elia, in his transparent communication, shared this information with the parents and teachers, fostering a sense of understanding about the financial hurdles faced by the school.
The second challenge he highlighted was the partial payment of the first-term fees by parents. While some parents dutifully paid the required 3000 SSP at the beginning of the year, others faced financial constraints that hindered their ability to meet this obligation. This, coupled with the third issue of a significant number of parents not fully settling their children's school fees for the year, created a financial strain on the school's operational budget.
In a bold move, Fr. Elia addressed the elephant in the room – the refusal of three teachers to release the examination results until their salaries were paid. He conveyed to the parents that these teachers, though facing financial hardships, had taken this stance, highlighting the critical role salary payments play in maintaining a motivated and committed teaching staff.
Despite these challenges, Fr. Elia continued to inspire confidence in the parents, emphasizing the paramount importance of education and the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in the community. He urged parents to view St. Mary's Primary School as their own, recognizing the symbiotic relationship between the school, the Diocese, and the community at large.
Fr. Elia concluded his message with an apology for any inconvenience caused and an assurance that efforts would be made to address the salary concerns of the teachers. He called for patience and solidarity, emphasizing that the resolution of these challenges would require a collective effort.
As St. Mary's Primary School Yambio navigates through these financial difficulties, in the face of adversity, the hope is that the bonds between parents, teachers, and administrators will only strengthen, ensuring that St. Mary's continues to be a beacon of education and inspiration for generations to come.
