Ocer Campion gets a New Library
The importance of a well-equipped school library to quality education was recently underscored when Ocer acquired a state of the art library.
The school year has ended on a good note, Ocer has finally acquired a state of the art library. The new double storied building, houses both the library and administration units.
Previously, the school has had a small library which could not adequately serve the growing student population. With the new block, this is now history. The good news is now the library comes with two spacious sections, an Advanced Level section ( high school before university) for advanced students and the ordinary level section (8,9,10,11th grade) for ordinary students. The books and textbooks on display cut across different subjects from arts, commercial, religious and science subjects.
Addressing the gathering of students and teachers during the handover ceremony, the Project director, Fr. Tony Wach SJ said it is useful to inculcate the habit of reading as it helps students in their Scholarly pursuit.
The Head teacher, Fr. John Chachu was not left out in the gale of excitement. “Students and their teachers need library resources and the expertise of a librarian to succeed,’’ he said. “That’s why we are so delighted. We’re indeed grateful to the friends of Ocer for this donation; it will certainly positively impact our work and the performances of the students,’’ he stated.
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Rescued from becoming a child bride
On 12th December, Priscilla Piath was named 10th best Speaker in the Uganda National Schools Debate Championships.
She is an honor student of her class, an eloquent and authoritative speaker. Next year, she’ll be in senior 3.
Looking at her stature, she seems grown up but she’s just a girl whose childhood and future was almost snatched away when her family had set to marry her off at the age of 15.
With the help of some community members, Priscilla was rescued and her plight brought to the attention of Fr. Tony Wach SJ. She was added to the sponsorship program and now she not only has an opportunity of being a child but also she’s blessed to access quality education here at Ocer.
Child, Early and Forced marriages is a common practice world over but it is more prevalent in rural communities. It is a violation of children’s human rights, it continues to rob millions of girls under 18 around the world of their childhood and forces them out of education and into a life of poverty and violence.
Thanks to the Sponsorship Program, Pricilla now goes to school, engages in activities such as debate which is increasing her confidence, poise, self-esteem and improving her critical thinking skills.
There are many girls like Priscilla whose future is at stake. You can contribute to our sponsorship program and your gift will bring hope and change not only to a sponsored child but also impact the entire community.Follow this link and learn more on how you can support our Sponsorship Program
Priscilla speaking during one of the debate sessions at Ocer
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Thank you for visiting with us…..
This year, we were blessed to receive various visitors from different parts of the world. We are privileged to have such wonderful friends and supporters.
Special thanks go out to Fr. Don Doll SJ, all the way from Creighton University, Omaha, USA. Thank you for coming and sharing your immense knowledge in Photojournalism with our team. We are grateful and be sure to look out for better images from Ocer!
Our very first visitors from Creighton Prep; Joyce-Whipp and Kathy O’keefe, thank you for visiting with us. Your visit means a lot to us, we look forward to your return next year and more future collaborations and exchanges.
The team from INIGO (French Jesuits); Fr. Nguyen Tuan SJ and Etienne Quinchon, the first French Volunteer to Ocer. Thank you INIGO for sending to us volunteers from time to time. Our students learn a lot from these interactions. Thank you Etienne Quinchon, for coming around and having Ocer at heart.
The teachers from Ireland, thank you for making the annual trips to Ocer. Thank you for sharing with our teachers the principles and practices of Ignatian Pedagogy as well as sharing your experiences of Jesuit teaching methods. We always look forward to such experiential learning.
The two groups of student Nurses from Kansas City, USA. Thank you for contributing to our sponsorship program, more of our students can now train to become nurses/midwives.
We can’t mention each and every one here but we extend our sincere gratitude to all our friends who have visited us, we are blessed to have you and we always remember you in our prayers.
Fr. Don Doll SJ shows Ocer team how to edit pictures
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Ocer receives a Grant from USAID-ASHA to build a girls dormitory
Ocer Campion Jesuit College is pleased to announce that it received a grant of $500,000 from USAID-ASHA. The grant is to be used to construct a new girls’ dormitory.
The new dormitory will accommodate approximately 300 students. This award is timely; it comes when the school has just expanded to include advanced secondary education. The present girls’ dormitory will be totally packed with the new intake in January 2019.The new dormitory will give girls a safe and conducive place to attain an inclusive and equitable quality education. This will not only help in bridging the gender gaps but will ultimately assist in breaking the vicious cycle of poverty which is synonymous with rural communities.
The school management was excited at the news of the grant award. “I am extremely happy, this is good news for us especially now that we have introduced advanced secondary education,’’ said Fr. John Chachu SJ, the school head teacher.
This is the second grant Ocer is receiving from USAID-ASHA. In 2015, USAID-ASHA funded the construction of a dining hall/kitchen which seats 1200 students.
Dining hall built with funds from USAID-ASHA
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What a glorious way to end the year……
On 1st December, Ocer celebrated Campion day as it marked nine years in existence. As is the custom here, every 1st December, Ocer commemorates the Feast of Saint Edmund Campion, the Patron Saint of the school.
On this day, students who have successfully undergone catechism lessons for a year receive the sacrament of confirmation. This year, 48 students were confirmed by Father Martin Agwee, the Chancellor of Gulu Archdiocese. Father Agwee called on the students to be strong and courageous just like St. Edmund Campion who went to his death rejoicing.
The confirmed students are now fully initiated into the Church and will begin a lifetime of developing a deeper understanding of the faith coupled with active involvement in the church. Falling on the eve of advert, this was the best Christmas present one can ever wish for!
It was a day for merry marking, students showcased different talents in music, dance and drama. The celebration climaxed with cutting of cake. What a beautiful and fun way to end a school year and usher in the Christmas Season!
Campion Day Celebrations in the Pictures
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Tony Wach, S.J., tells the story of Ocer-Campion Jesuit College in Northern Uganda along the Sudan Border.
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