Former pupils of Padibe Girls Primary School in Lamwo district have donated a laptop computer and printer worth more than sh4.5m to support teaching, learning and improve academic performance at the institution.

The donation, made through the school’s Old Boys and Girls (OBs and OGs) association, is intended to strengthen the school’s capacity to prepare examination papers, produce learning materials and improve access to essential academic services.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, former pupil Nokrach Kasimiro, the Chairperson of the OBs and OGs of Padibe girls Primary school said the contribution was part of the association’s commitment to giving back to the institution that shaped their academic and personal development.

He urged the school administration to use the equipment responsibly and extend printing services to neighboring schools that may not have access to similar facilities.

Kasimiro also revealed that the association was considering providing additional supplies, including printing paper and other materials, to ensure the equipment remains operational.

Another former pupil, Obalim Richard Omoo, said the donation reflected the association’s continued commitment to supporting the school.

He added that their vision of improving the institution would remain alive through collective contributions from former students.

He called upon other former pupils to maintain their connection with the school and participate in initiatives aimed at improving the learning environment and academic standards.

Lamwo District Education Officer Banabas Langoya welcomed the donation but challenged the school management to demonstrate how the new equipment would translate into improved academic results.

Langoya emphasized the importance of sustainability, urging the administration to put in place proper maintenance arrangements, ensure responsible use of the computer and printer, and organize timely repairs whenever the machines develop mechanical faults.

He questioned how effectively the school would integrate the equipment into its academic activities, noting that the ultimate measure of the investment should be reflected in improved performance.

The school’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) chairperson, Nyeko Jolly Joe, described the donation as remarkable, saying it would go a long way in improving the school’s academic standards.

She challenged the administration and teaching staff to turn the support into better examination results, urging them to demonstrate a change in the school’s academic performance.

One of the parents, Okongo Julius Peter, said the impact of the donated equipment should be visible in the results produced by the school.

He also appealed to the administration to consider extending printing services to neighboring schools that lack computers and printers, saying the facility could benefit the wider education community.

The school’s headteacher, Christine Lamwaka, said the equipment would ease the preparation of examination papers and other instructional materials, reducing the difficulties associated with accessing printing services.

Padibe Girls Primary School has a total enrolment of 1,040 pupils from Primary One to Primary Seven.

The institution has 14 teachers on the government payroll and 12 teachers employed by the school through the Parent-Teacher Association.

Founded in 1952 under the Catholic Church, the school has served generations of learners in the area including former leader of Opposition in Parliament of Uganda, Betty Aol Ocan who is the current member of Parliament for Gulu City.

The donation comes amid renewed calls from education stakeholders for stronger partnerships between schools, parents, former pupils and communities to improve the quality of education.

For Padibe Girls Primary School, the challenge now lies in turning the sh4.5 million investment into measurable improvements in teaching, learning and academic performance.