On April 8th, 2024 the National Schools championships [NSC] launched season nine at International University of East Africa with 158 secondary schools participating in this edition from all regions, Northern, Southern, Eastern, Western and central regions. Start Hub Uganda an innovation space that supports creatives on a scalable business across Africa.
This annual event is geared by Stanbic bank as they nature and skill young entrepreneurs in the business world. “Entrepreneurship is the only sustainable solutions for us to address the endemic challenge of unemployment among our youth. As a brand that is at the forefront of driving Uganda’s growth, the Stanbic National Schools Championship is a platform that we designed to nurture learners into the next generation of jobs and wealth creator.” Said the Executive Head for personal and private Banking at Stanbic Bank Sam Mwogezi.
The Assistant Commissioner for Private Schools at the Ministry of Education and Sports George Muteekanga officiated the event and appreciated NSC for being sustainable at hosting the prestigious platform to skill the youth and nature a wealth creation in line with the government economic transformation agenda.
NSC agenda is in line with the goals of the competency Based Curriculum which is producing more hands-on skills students than theoretical one who are unable to implement ideas that they have in mind. For instance, the project work that is mandatory to all students under the CBC rolled in lower secondary schools, implements innovation, critical thinking with the scenario-based questions and team work.
“Uganda has over 5000 government and private secondary schools that all deserve to partake in the NSC. As a ministry we call upon school mangers encourage their students to participate in this experiential skilling competition, Muteekanga said.
Diana Odonga the Corporate Social Investment Manager at Stanbic Bank Uganda affirmed 2024’s NSC with the central as the outstanding region with 49 entrants annexed by the Eastern with 45, Western 36 and 28 Northern. Half a million learners and teachers being beneficiaries of the programme both directly and indirectly, Diana promised to achieve milestones with the ninth NSC season.
In March ,2024 NSC partnered with school head teachers through the Association of Secondary School Head Teachers of Uganda (ASSHU) across the country as ambassadors of the championship to amplify it representing over 4000 secondary schools. During a breakfast meeting where 25 head teachers attended, only right had a clue about NSC which indicated the need to sensitize head teachers. ASSHU suggested for campaigns and capacity building initiatives to create awareness.
Participants take part in different slots availed through which they are appreciated executing phenomenal ideas, Student grow, Alum Grow where former participants get to inspire the next generation.
Stanbic Bank National Schools Championships have been happening for the past eight years with over 600 business ideas brought to light and 187 startups given life changing over 1000 students’ lives.
Under the theme “POWERING INNOVATION FOR JOB CREATION.” The best students, teachers and alumni will win award of a pool worth UGX. 70M.
