ACK Burumba Comprehensive School in Busia County held a memorable Thanksgiving and Prize-Giving Ceremony that brought together learners, parents, teachers, church leaders, education stakeholders, alumni, and members of the local community in a celebration of academic achievement, talent development, and institutional growth.
The colorful event, held within the school, was presided over by Bishop Isaiah Obuya of the ACK Diocese, who was accompanied by other church leaders and stakeholders from across Busia County. The occasion provided an opportunity for the school community to reflect on its achievements, appreciate the support received from various partners, and chart a path toward even greater success.
Speaking during the event, Bishop Obuya applauded the school administration, Board of Management, teachers, parents, and learners for the remarkable transformation that the institution has undergone over the years.
The bishop, who served as the Vicar of Burumba Parish about twenty years ago, expressed his delight at the tremendous changes that have taken place since his time in the area.
“I am greatly impressed by the transformation that has taken place in this institution. When I served here twenty years ago, many of the impressive structures and developments that we see today were not in existence. The growth of this school is a testimony of visionary leadership, teamwork, commitment, and God’s blessings. As the sponsor, we are proud of what has been achieved,” said Bishop Obuya.
He noted that the development of infrastructure, improvement in academic performance, and increased participation in co-curricular activities were indicators that the institution was moving in the right direction.
The bishop further challenged learners to remain disciplined and focused on their academic goals. He reminded them that discipline remains one of the key pillars of success in education and life.
“Education is a precious gift. Remain focused on your studies, respect your teachers and parents, and avoid distractions that may derail your dreams. Success comes to those who are disciplined, hardworking, and determined,” he advised.
The Head of Institution, Mr. Lawi Amuga, welcomed the guests and expressed gratitude to all those who had taken time to attend the celebration. He thanked the sponsors, parents, Board of Management, teachers, and development partners for their unwavering support towards the growth of the institution.
Mr. Amuga took the audience through the school’s journey over the years, highlighting notable achievements in academics, sports, music, and other co-curricular activities. He observed that the institution had continued to register positive growth due to the collective efforts of all stakeholders.
He particularly praised the teaching staff for their dedication and commitment to nurturing learners academically and socially.
“Our teachers have sacrificed a lot to ensure that learners receive quality education. Their commitment goes beyond the classroom as they continue to mentor, guide, and inspire our children to become responsible members of society,” said Mr. Amuga.
Mr. Amuga noted that many learners had significantly improved in their academic performance while others had excelled in various talents and leadership positions.
One of the highlights of the day was the impressive display of talent by learners. The school compound came alive with exciting performances that captivated guests throughout the event. Learners showcased their abilities through spoken word presentations, poems, cultural dances, modern dances, choral performances, and dramatic presentations.
The performances not only entertained the audience but also demonstrated the school’s commitment to nurturing holistic education by developing both academic and creative talents among learners.
Guests were particularly impressed by the confidence, creativity, and discipline displayed by the learners during the presentations, with many describing ACK Burumba Comprehensive School as a “forest of talents.”
Teachers were honored for their exemplary performance and dedication, especially following the school’s impressive results in the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) and the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA).
The recognition of teachers was received with enthusiasm, with many stakeholders acknowledging the critical role educators play in shaping the future of learners.
Despite the successes recorded, Mr. Amuga highlighted a number of challenges facing the institution. He pointed out that the school continues to experience a shortage of classrooms due to increasing enrolment. He also cited inadequate teaching staff and the lack of a school bus as major challenges that require urgent intervention.
“The demand for education in this institution continues to grow. While this is encouraging, it also presents challenges. We need additional classrooms, more teachers, and a school bus to facilitate learning and participation in co-curricular activities,” he noted.
He appealed to well-wishers, government agencies, development partners, and members of the community to support the school’s development agenda.
The Board of Management Chairperson, challenged parents to continue supporting school programmes through timely payment of school fees. He observed that significant progress had been made within a relatively short period and urged parents to play their part in sustaining the momentum.
“As you have witnessed today, a lot has been achieved within the last one and a half years. These developments have been made possible through teamwork and support from stakeholders. We encourage parents to continue supporting the school through timely payment of fees so that learning programmes are not disrupted,” he said.
BOM Chairperson reiterated the Board’s commitment to ensuring that the institution continues to provide a conducive environment for learning and talent development.
The event also served as a fundraising platform in support of the school’s choir, which is preparing to represent the institution at the upcoming regional music competitions. Parents, church leaders, and well-wishers generously contributed towards the initiative, demonstrating their confidence in the school’s growing reputation in music and performing arts.
As the celebrations came to a close, there was a shared sense of optimism among stakeholders regarding the future of the institution. Speakers noted that the school had made tremendous progress and was steadily positioning itself as one of the leading comprehensive schools in Busia County.
The Thanksgiving and Prize-Giving Ceremony not only celebrated achievements but also reinforced the importance of collaboration among parents, teachers, sponsors, learners, and the wider community in promoting quality education.
With strong leadership under Mr. Lawi Amuga, dedicated teachers, supportive parents, and committed sponsors, ACK Burumba Comprehensive School continues to set high standards in academic excellence, talent development, and character formation.
The institution’s remarkable transformation stands as a testament to what can be achieved through visionary leadership, teamwork, and a shared commitment to educational excellence.
