Nine Months In and Voting

Wow it's been 9 months! How time flies by.  I have had the opportunity to learn, share knowledge and enjoy many experiences during this time in Uganda.

Of course, I miss my Homeland and my family because there is nothing like home. As a United States citizen, it is my responsibility and duty to vote in all elections. So, yes I voted!

I recently received this email of my mail in ballot:

“Dear NANCY MAGLOIRE,

Your ballot was received by your local board of elections.

We expect to finish counting mail-in ballots on November 15, 2024. The exact date may vary by county. You can check the status of your ballot at vote.md.gov.

While you wait:

•  Share this digital ‘I voted’ sticker on your social media pages
•  Use the hashtag #MDvotes #trustedinfo2024”

 

I hope the best candidate for America wins.

Good bye for now.

Student Testimony - John Vianney

I wanted to share the experience of another student. In a previous blog, the experience of a student enrolled in the BA for Business Administration was shared. 

Now, a short video of a student enrolled in the BA of Tourism, Heritage, and Leisure Management. They are from different areas but the one thing that they have in common is they both are in the Chapel Choir. 

John Vianney Akanyihayo pictured below shares his experiences, goals and future aspirations in the attached video.

 

I hope you enjoyed learning about both students.

 

God bless. 

Student Testimony - Loyce

It is wonderful to see the students grow and develop leadership skills. Many were shy in the beginning of the year and now are more outspoken.  The students have been inspired, are in the process of transforming, with the hopes of empowerment and changing their families lives and those of the community in the future.

The students are really enjoying their experiences at St. Ignatius University-Kabale. As you walk the campus, sometimes you can hear the students singing the university Anthem. They are proud of their university, which is demonstrated by them taking time throughout the week to pick up trash and maintain the gardens. There is student consensus to share their learning in the community and recruit students to enroll in order to increase the student body. Even though enrollment is still low the library hours have increased, which reflects increased enrollment and the need of support services.

In the interest of learnings about students’ aspirations, I asked a couple of students about their goals. I had the opportunity to have a short conversation with a student to get her perspective of the university. Ms. Loyce Katushabe is majoring in Accounting and began pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration in January, here is the video link: 

University Visit

Today. Alfred Kyaka, the Assistant Commissioner of Secondary Education of the Ministry of Education and Sports for the country visited the University to commend the work thus far and to convey the urgency for an increase of teacher preparation programs for Secondary Education in Uganda. 

 

Alfred Kyaka is standing to the left of me.

One Step Forward

One step forward! We were not listed on the NCHE website. I prepared an application for membership to the Inter University Council of East Africa, which requires a recommendation from the Executive Director of NCHE. It was perplexing to me that the university still was not listed on their website. I assume it was an oversight which has been corrected, accordingly on September 19th they finally added St. Ignatius University-Kabale to the list! 

The recommendation permits access to  Quality Assurance mechanisms from IUCEA as well as professional development on policy improvements, enforcement processes, data instrument tools, and many other mechanisms to monitor, evaluate and improve higher education access. 

Hopefully, Bachelors of Arts and Science for Primary Education will appear on the list in November.

St. Ignatius University, Kabale – National Council for Higher Education

https://unche.or.ug/institution/st-ignatius-university-kabale/ 

Quality Assurance Duties

Now that the primary education application is at NCHE, I am catching up on some Quality Assurance duties before preparing the Secondary Education Curriculum. During this short period, there will be a search for content writers to assist.

Currently on my desk is the review of the Human Resource Manual and other policies that are in need of improvement, refinement, or development to assist with the day to day activities. I have completely revised the yearly Appraisal forms and developed rubrics. The Management Team will be reviewing them for amendments and for additional recommendations. After we have a final draft then we will have a quorum for approval before they may be forwarded to the University Governing Council. Looking forward for all current policies being developed to be approved quickly. 

No exciting work for now.

Till next time. 

Halfway There

Education Department Here We Go!

We are in a good place now! I am happy to state that all of the execution and administration for establishing the programs Bachelor of Arts in Primary Education, Bachelor of Science in Primary Education, and Diploma of Primary Education are complete. The three program structure applications for accreditation by the National Council of Higher Education is being submitted this week! 

I have, with a few hiccups, led the launch for the Education Department at St. Ignatius University-Kabale. Now the work begins for  accreditation in Secondary Education, as well as, an upgrade of the status of the University from a Provisional License to a full License as a Higher Education Institution by the governing body, National Council of Higher Education.

St. Ignatius University-Kabale is halfway to the finish line.