Riverside high school showcases excellence at parent meeting in Pader

9 November 2025, 12:25

By Ekel Bonny Daniel

Riverside High School, located in Luna Parish near Paipir Primary School along River Agago, hosted an inspiring parents’ meeting on Saturday, November 8, marking a major milestone in its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and community development.

The event drew parents, education officials, school leadership, and local elders, all eager to discuss the school’s growth, address challenges, and celebrate student achievements.

Routh Filda Lalam, Assistant District Education Officer (DEO), opened the meeting by expressing gratitude to parents and school management for their attendance and active involvement.

She also acknowledged her mentors, former DEOs Obol Okidi Charles and Ojok Jogi Anthony, for their guidance in shaping her career.

Lalam emphasised the government’s call for universal education:

“The government of Uganda wants all children, from nursery upwards, to attend school. Parents must monitor their children to ensure they complete their education. Special attention must be given to girls at risk of dropping out, as child motherhood is increasing,” she warned.

She encouraged parents to contribute to school requirements to support better learning and lessons.

“Education is not only about providing fees; it is about ensuring students have everything they need to succeed. Parents who neglect this responsibility will bear the consequences,” she added.

Lalam also commended private school teachers for their dedication and encouraged parents to consider schools with fair fees, like Riverside High School.

She warned against frequent school transfers, which may affect student performance under Uganda’s new competence-based curriculum, and promised to advocate for a proper access road to the school in the next financial year.

Retired DEO Ojok Jogi Anthony, a prominent leader of private schools in northern Uganda, lauded Riverside High School’s achievements and growth.

He emphasised that school success is not solely based on infrastructure but on the dedication of teachers, parents, and students working together.

Similarly, retired DEO Obol Okidi Charles shared his personal story, reflecting on how education transformed his family’s life and urging parents to invest in their children’s future.

He encouraged both boys and girls to stay in school and avoid behaviors that could derail their dreams.

In a light-hearted yet powerful message, he cautioned students against getting involved in early love affairs.

“Some people deceive you by saying they love you,” he said. “They tell you, ‘I love you so much that I cannot sleep,’ yet those very people are sleeping soundly at night,” he joked, drawing laughter from the audience.

He concluded by reminding students that true love is built on education, hard work, and success not on empty words or false promises.

Both leaders called on students to focus on academics and avoid distractions such as discos, alcohol, and excessive football watching, highlighting that education is essential for a prosperous future.

Parents contributed meaningfully to the discussions. Ocen Benson suggested creating a school kitchen garden to supplement students’ meals and reduce reliance on food contributions.

He also requested that termly requirements be reduced to ease financial pressure on families. Odongpiny Charles encouraged students to concentrate on academics, avoid romantic distractions, and embrace the principle that their future is in their hands.

Rwot Jonathan Ocen Anying, father of school director Charles Kinyera Okeny, praised his son for improving educational standards in the community and pledged additional land for school expansion.

He encouraged parents to enroll their children and emphasised the importance of discipline.

Headteacher Odoch Richard addressed the parents, acknowledging their support and responding to concerns.

On school fees, he explained that adjustments had been made in response to parental feedback: day students now pay UGX 150,000 plus food contributions, while boarders pay UGX 190,000 plus food contributions.

He also responded to parents’ requests regarding termly contributions of items such as squeezer, reams of paper, and brooms, explaining that these would now be supplied once or twice per year rather than every term, reducing the burden on families.

On infrastructure, he assured parents that requests for electricity and improved access roads would be forwarded to the district authorities.

Riverside High School currently has 57 students, supported by 10 teachers and five administrative staff.

Students showcased their creativity and learning under Uganda’s new competence-based curriculum.

Academic Prefect Apio Patrisa Hope explained that students worked in four teams The Hunters, The Flamingos, Team Africa, and The Elite to create projects using local materials such as millet, sorghum, maize, and rice seeds.

Projects included the Uganda Coat of Arms, the Map of Africa, the “Buy Uganda Build Uganda” campaign, and the Riverside High School badge.

These hands-on projects not only enhanced critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving but also contributed 20% toward students’ national exam scores, highlighting the practical benefits of the new curriculum.

The school administration recognised and awarded the four student groups for their creativity, effort, and excellent project presentations

Head Prefect Acelam Genesis welcomed parents and guests, expressing gratitude for their support.

He praised students for their discipline, academic achievements, and leadership in extracurricular activities.

Genesis acknowledged the teachers’ dedication and emphasised that the school’s success is rooted in collaboration between staff, parents, and students.

He encouraged the school community to continue fostering a nurturing and innovative environment where students can thrive academically and personally.

Riverside High School, with its focus on discipline, innovation, and community engagement, continues to set a standard for quality education in Pader District.

The school’s growing reputation, practical learning projects, and strong parental involvement underscore its commitment to producing well-rounded, responsible, and successful students.

As Riverside High School expands, its emphasis on collaboration and holistic education ensures that it will remain a cornerstone of academic excellence for generations to come.