Lira Town College’s headteacher retires after an illustrious career

Lira |According to the retiring headteacher of Lira Town College, the education system in Lango has undergone significant improvements.

The current headteacher, Sophia Rose Acen, is set to retire from public service this month. She has urged teachers to dedicate and double their efforts to students’ education.

Acen made the remark during a media briefing at her office on Friday, August 30, 2024, in preparation for her retirement, which is set for September 30, 2024.

Born on September 30, 1964, she attended Abia Primary School from 1971 to 1977 before enrolling at Christ the King Primary Teachers’ College in Gulu, where she earned a second-grade certificate with a score of 203 out of 300 across three subjects.

She began her studies at Christ the King at the age of 14 and graduated with a grade two teaching certificate in primary education between 1978 and 1981.

From 1982 to 1983, she was assigned to teach primary one (P1) at Abia Primary School. In 1984, she returned to Christ the King to finish her grade three teaching certification.

From 1986 to 1989, she resumed teaching at Abia Primary School, where she faced difficulties due to a meagre salary of less than shs1,000.

As a result, she combined her teaching career with business ventures to support her family.

The 59-year-old stated that in 1986, she was the only teacher at the school to own a bicycle. In 1993, she became the first teacher at St Katherine Senior Secondary School in Boroboro to own a motorbike, with registration number UBQ 065.

During that time, Dr Obote College, Canon Lawrence Primary Teacher College, and St Katherine used her motorbike to transport exam materials.

Notably, she stated that Patrick Okada, the current principal of Loro Core Primary Teachers’ College, can attest to these experiences.

Between 1990 and 1992, she attended Ngetta National Teachers’ College to obtain a secondary education teaching certificate.

After finishing her studies at NTC Ngetta, Adwari, Lango College, and St. Katherine, all offered her a teaching job.

However, she started her teaching career at St Katherine in 1993 and was appointed deputy headteacher from 2003 to 2010.

“After a successful interview, the government appointed me as headteacher at Lira Town College. During my tenure, I fostered unity among the teaching staff and made concerted efforts to ensure that students refrained from participating in strikes.

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“As I prepare to leave my job this month, I reflect on my accomplishments with pride. I urge the incoming headteacher to put the well-being of our students and their families ahead of personal interests, as this is critical for leaving a positive legacy,” she said.

Rose revealed that when she started at Lira Town College, student enrolment was 280 at both the “O” and “A” levels. Today, the total enrolment has surpassed 2,000.