By Hillary Opio Omara

KOLE DISTRICT - A total of 637 candidates at Wisdom High School Akalo in Kole District have received a special blessing ahead of the forthcoming Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) and Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) examinations.

The candidates were blessed during a dedication prayer held at the school,where religious and education leaders urged them to combine academic excellence,discipline, hard work and faith as they prepare for the national examinations.

The Bishop of Life Renewal Ministry International,Joseph Eleto,who led the dedication prayer,told the candidates that success requires a strong foundation built through commitment,education and discipline.

Bishop Eleto challenged students and their parents to take responsibility for their future instead of expecting success without putting in the necessary effort.

He said education provides an important foundation for a brighter future,while the fear of God helps young people develop discipline,responsibility and good character.

The Bishop urged the candidates to remain focused on their studies and avoid distractions as they approach the examinations.

Obonyo Alex,the Director of Studies for Senior Six at Wisdom High School,called on parents to continue supporting the education of both boys and girls.

He noted that the school currently has more girls than boys and encouraged parents to give equal attention and support to the education of their children regardless of gender.

Obonyo assured parents and other guests that the candidates are adequately prepared for the forthcoming national examinations.

He said the candidates have already completed numerous sets of examinations as part of their preparations and are therefore ready to sit for the final national assessments.

He also appealed to the candidates and the entire student body to maintain discipline throughout the examination period.

The Executive Director of Wisdom High School,Ambrose Ogwal,assured parents that the school is fully prepared for the forthcoming examinations.

Ogwal said Wisdom High School has consistently performed well in national examinations,attributing the school's performance to the hard work and commitment of teachers,students and parents.

He stressed that the school's academic success is based on genuine preparation and hard work rather than examination malpractice.

Ogwal urged candidates to fear God rather than simply fearing their teachers,saying students should put God first,remain disciplined and work hard to achieve success both in academics and in life.

He encouraged the candidates to remain focused,committed to their studies and confident as they enter the examination period.

Wisdom High School Akalo has registered 637 candidates for the forthcoming national examinations.The candidates include 240 Senior Four students preparing for the UCE examinations and 397 Senior Six students preparing for the UACE examinations.

The City Education Officer for Lira City, Canon Jane Acio Obeny,urged parents to pray for their children and support them throughout the examination period.

Canon Acio also cautioned parents against enrolling their children in schools where drug and substance abuse is prevalent, particularly alcohol and marijuana.

She said parents should take time to investigate and verify the environment of schools before enrolling their children.

She encouraged parents to visit schools and physically check the learning environment, discipline standards and general welfare of students before making decisions about where to send their children.

Canon Acio said Wisdom High School should not be grouped among schools associated with such forms of student misconduct, urging parents to continue working closely with the school to safeguard the education and future of their children.

The dedication prayer comes at a time when schools across Uganda are intensifying preparations for the national examinations, with education leaders emphasizing academic readiness,discipline,parental support and responsible behaviour among candidates.