LUO FM
Celebrate Christmas sparingly to prepare for 2026 academic year – Azim tells parents in Pader
22 December 2025, 6:58 pm
By Golden Vicky Ayiro
The Pader District Sports Officer, Okello Alfred Azim, has urged parents to prioritize education as they celebrate the Christmas festive season, calling on them to plan ahead for the 2026 academic year.
Azim made the remarks on 3rd December 2025 while presiding over the 8th graduation ceremony of the Top Class at Montessori Nursery and Primary School in Pader District.
The school closed the 2025 academic year with a total enrollment of 171 learners, out of whom 24 pupils graduated to Primary One, a slight decline compared to 29 graduates in 2024, when the school had a total enrollment of 106 learners.
Azim emphasized that a child’s success in education requires combined efforts from all stakeholders, whom he described as a “chain” that must work together. These include the school director, teachers, School Management Committee (SMC), learners, Parents–Teachers Association (PTA), religious leaders, political leaders, cultural leaders, the media, and parents.
He cautioned parents to remain vigilant during the festive season, noting that Christmas celebrations are coinciding with political activities, which could distract children from their education. He encouraged parents to support local schools instead of sending their children to schools outside the district. He called for vigilance this period of festivities.
Azim also discouraged the practice of parents paying school fees with the expectation of personal benefits, saying such acts undermine the moral responsibility of supporting children’s education.
He commended Montessori Nursery and Primary School for promoting sports and other co-curricular activities, urging parents to allow children to excel according to their individual talents and abilities.
The school director, Lalam Esther, appealed to parents to enroll their children at the school, citing its conducive learning environment, holistic education approach, and commitment to inclusive education.
Meanwhile, the school headteacher, Acirocan Grace, thanked parents for their continued support, revealing that parents contributed 18 desks to the school in 2025 alone.
District Councilor Ayenyo Beatrice cautioned parents against sending children to faraway relatives during the holidays and warned against allowing children to attend political campaign rallies. She said leaders would take action against child neglect during the festive season, adding that any child found roaming during Christmas would be arrested and taken to a police station.
Montessori Nursery and Primary School is located in Pader Town Council. In 2025, the school had 171 learners from Baby Class to Primary Three, and plans are underway to introduce Primary Four in 2026.