LIRA CITY – In a bold move to blend education with real-world experience, St. Janan Nursery and Primary School in Tesobar, Lira City West Division, took its students on an unforgettable educational tour to the renowned Murchison Falls National Park this past Saturday. The trip, which featured a thrilling game drive and a visit to the "Top of the Falls," left an indelible mark on both pupils and staff.
The young learners were buzzing with excitement as they witnessed firsthand the majestic wonders they had only previously seen in textbooks. During the game drive, the savannah came alive with sightings of elephants, towering giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes, playful patas monkeys, the Uganda kob, warthogs, oribi, waterbuck, Jackson's hartebeest, and a myriad of bird species. The adventure continued with a visit to the powerful Nile River and the breathtaking point where the world's longest river explodes through a narrow gorge to form the iconic Murchison Falls.
Agness Emuna, the Headteacher of St. Janan, explained the vision behind the excursion. "The purpose of bringing the pupils for this tour was for them to see with their own eyes what they are being taught in classes," she stated. She cited that the memory of the animals they saw will be unforgettable for the children, making it easier for teachers to instruct as the pupils now have a tangible frame of reference.
Ms. Emuna also expressed high hopes for the academic year, saying, "I am optimistic that the Primary Seven candidates who will sit this year will pass their examinations very well, thanks to the rich, practical experience they have acquired from this tour."
The school's initiative was strongly endorsed by the Parents-Teacher Association (PTA).
The PTA Chairperson, James Elem Ayo, emphasized the importance of such exposure in modern education. "It is good for pupils to see physically what they are being taught," he said. "At this time, the world is developing rapidly, and it is crucial to take children for educational tours so that they do not remain behind."
Mr. Elem Ayo called on parents to consistently support such initiatives and extended his gratitude to the St. Janan community for their collective effort. "I thank the parents of St. Janan Nursery and Primary School for pulling resources together, which made this tour a great success," he added.
The success of the tour was best reflected in the voices of the pupils themselves. Mirriam Apio and Ezekiel Awio, both students of the school, could not hide their joy. "We are so happy for this tour because we have seen with our eyes what we were being taught at school," said Mirriam. Ezekiel added, "We gained even more knowledge from the tour guide, who helped explain many things to us in detail."
The tour has undoubtedly provided St. Janan's pupils with a priceless treasure trove of memories and practical knowledge, proving that some of the most powerful lessons are learned outside the four walls of a classroom.
