Transforming Education for the Next 25 Years: A Call to Action 15th-17th January 2025 at Katikamu SDA Secondary School

Education stands as the cornerstone of national transformation. In an era defined by rapid technological advances, complex global challenges, and evolving social norms, the call to transform education is urgent and vital. To this end, the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, in collaboration with the Global Peace Foundation, will host a transformative event at Katikamu SDA Secondary School from 15th to 17th January 2025. According to Kambula Milton, President Global Peace Foundation Uganda, the event will bring together educators, policymakers, thought leaders, and students to reimagine education for character development, holistic growth, and innovative leadership over the next 25 years.

Jan 14, 2025 - 14:57
Jan 14, 2025 - 18:17
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Transforming Education for the Next 25 Years: A Call to Action 15th-17th January 2025 at Katikamu SDA Secondary School
Kambula Milton, President of Global Peace Foundation Uganda (L),Dr. Tony Devine, Vice President Education, Global Peace Foundation International USA(2L), Ismael Kibedi, Ministry of ICT &NG Technocrat(M), and other officials at the Uganda Media Center while addressing the Media
Transforming Education for the Next 25 Years: A Call to Action 15th-17th January 2025 at Katikamu SDA Secondary School
Transforming Education for the Next 25 Years: A Call to Action 15th-17th January 2025 at Katikamu SDA Secondary School

Education stands as the cornerstone of national transformation. In an era defined by rapid technological advances, complex global challenges, and evolving social norms, the call to transform education is urgent and vital. To this end, the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, in collaboration with the Global Peace Foundation, will host a transformative event at Katikamu SDA Secondary School from 15th to 17th January 2025. According to Kambula Milton, President Global Peace Foundation Uganda, the event will bring together educators, policymakers, thought leaders, and students to reimagine education for character development, holistic growth, and innovative leadership over the next 25 years.

Theme: Transforming Education for National Transformation

This landmark event aims to craft a blueprint for reshaping Uganda’s education system. It aligns with global aspirations for creating purpose-driven, innovative, and morally grounded leaders who will spearhead the nation’s progress. Discussions, workshops, and presentations will center around eight critical pillars of educational transformation:

  1. From Academic Focus to Character and Holistic Development.                        Speakers will emphasize the need to move beyond traditional academic knowledge to nurture the four core dimensions of human growth:                                                    Spiritual and Moral Dimension:          Building character traits such as integrity, empathy, and service. Emotional and Relational Dimension: Enhancing emotional resilience and leadership in relationships. Mental and Cognitive Dimension: Promoting critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability.                                            Physical Vitality: Encouraging wellness, discipline, and sustainable productivity. By fostering holistic growth, the education system will produce leaders who can navigate complex challenges with moral courage and resilience.
  2. Purpose and Meaning in Education.  Workshops will focus on embedding purpose into education, helping students answer essential questions like:             Who am I?                                                   What is my purpose in serving my community and nation?                    Purpose-driven education will prepare students to see learning as a means to contribute meaningfully to society rather than just a path to employment.
  3. Integrating Character Formation and Leadership                                                        A cornerstone of the event is the integration of character and leadership development into every level of education. Key initiatives include: Mentorship programs to model real-life leadership. Service-learning projects to engage students in community transformation. Ethics discussions to teach principled decision-making.                                      These approaches aim to produce leaders with a commitment to improving families, communities, and nations.
  4. Equipping Students with 21st-Century Competencies                                                 In response to rapid technological and societal changes, the event will address the integration of key 21st-century skills, such as: Critical thinking and problem-solving. Creativity and entrepreneurial innovation. Digital literacy and responsible technology use.                                                Collaboration across diverse cultures. Interactive sessions will showcase practical approaches to competency-based learning that prioritizes skills over rote memorization.
  5. Strengthening Families as the Foundation of Education                                                  The role of families in character and value formation will take center stage. Discussions will explore:              Empowering parents through education programs.                                                Building stronger school-family partnerships.                                  Encouraging family-led character-building activities.                                                         By reinforcing families, the education system will nurture leaders with strong moral foundations.
  6. Cultivating a Spirit of Service and Legacy-Building                                            Participants will explore how education can instill a culture of service and responsibility in students.                                                    Key activities include:                Volunteerism and civic engagement programs.                                          Leadership training based on servant leadership principles.                        Students will be inspired to see their education as a tool to leave a lasting legacy of transformation in their communities.
  7. Reforming the Role of Teachers      Teachers will be redefined as mentors and guides, tasked with fostering holistic growth in students. The event will feature sessions on:                                         Training teachers in character formation. Promoting personalized learning tailored to individual student needs.              Mentorship opportunities to inspire students toward leadership.
  8. Building Education Systems for National Transformation                            Policymakers and educators will develop strategies to align education with national transformation goals. This includes: Measuring success by character and societal contributions of graduates. Building a pipeline of future leaders who prioritize family, service, and moral leadership.                                             Keynote Speakers and Sessions.            The event will feature distinguished speakers and panelists, including policymakers, education reform advocates, and global thought leaders. Highlights include:                                                            Dr. Tony Devine, Vice President Education, Global Peace Foundation International (USA), who will be the Keynote Speaker, Hon. Chris Baryomunsi, Minister of ICT and National Guidance, on education as a driver of national transformation.                        Representatives from the Global Peace Foundation, discussing how character education can foster global harmony. Student-led sessions showcasing innovative approaches to leadership and community service.                                      Why This Event Matters                              The next 25 years will define Uganda’s place in the world. As the nation grapples with technological disruption, economic shifts, and global challenges, education must evolve to prepare morally grounded, innovative, and purpose-driven leaders. The discussions and recommendations from this event will pave the way for an education system that not only produces academically competent graduates but also builds resilient, empathetic, and service-oriented citizens.                            The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance invites all stakeholders—parents, teachers, students, and policymakers—to join this transformative journey. Together, we can reshape Uganda’s education system to build a brighter, more prosperous future for generations to come.
John Kusolo John Kusolo is a Ugandan Journalist, Sport fanatic, Tourist, Pastor, and Motivational Speaker. * Journalist: He works for Nile Chronicles News, NCN. * Passion: Known for his dedication to his work and strong motivation. * Ambitious: He sets goals for himself and strives to achieve them. * Enjoys challenges: He thrives in challenging situations.