Kyebando, Kampala – This week, Hormisdallen Schools has
unveiled a transformative new program centered on embedding authentic African
values into the daily lives of its pupils, reinforcing the school’s
long-standing commitment to holistic child development.
In a move that sets the school apart in Uganda’s educational
landscape, Hormisdallen School – Kyebando is rolling out a comprehensive
cultural immersion initiative that goes far beyond the traditional classroom
curriculum. The program, which commenced this week, focuses on teaching
children practical life skills and moral values deeply rooted in African
heritage—from harvesting and preparing traditional meals to fetching water,
collecting firewood, dressing appropriately, greeting elders with respect, and
building strong moral character.
More Than
Academics: Building Character from the Ground Up
Hormisdallen Schools have long been recognized for providing quality education that meets the evolutionary challenges of the day. Founded on February 12, 1986, by the late Mr. Mukalazi Kizito, the school began with just nine pupils and three teachers, driven by a vision to contribute to the community through education. Today, with branches in Kamwokya, Kyebando, and Gayaza, the institution has built a reputation for academic excellence and holistic development.
But this week’s initiative marks a deliberate and powerful
step toward something deeper: raising children who are not only academically
proficient but also culturally grounded, morally upright, and practically
skilled.
“We believe that education must go beyond textbooks and
examinations,” a school representative shared. “Our children need to know who
they are, where they come from, and how to carry themselves with dignity and
respect. This program is about nurturing the whole child—mind, heart, and
hands.”
Learning to
Harvest, Prepare, and Celebrate African Cuisine
At the heart of the initiative is hands-on training in
traditional food preparation. Children are being taught the entire journey from
garden to table—starting with harvesting fresh food from the school garden,
including bunches of bananas and cassava. The practical sessions cover smoking
chicken and preparing traditional dishes such as Empombo, a beloved local
delicacy made from bananas and cassava.
Pupils are also learning the intricate art of preparing banana leaves (okuyubuluza endagala) for cooking and serving, alongside essential skills like peeling (okusiba n’okusanika emmere) and pounding groundnuts to create rich, flavorful sauces. These sessions are designed not only to teach culinary techniques but also to instill a deep appreciation for African cuisine and the cultural significance of shared meals.
Hands-On
Heritage: Chores, Gardens, and Gathering
Understanding
that true cultural education involves every aspect of daily life, the program
includes practical lessons in traditional household chores. Pupils engage in
collecting firewood, safely simulating the movement to and from the forest
while learning to carry wood balanced on their heads. They also participate in
fetching water, carrying traditional pots to the well—practicing okuzinga
enkata (securing the pot rings)—and returning with water gracefully balanced on
their heads.
Additionally, children are getting their hands dirty in the
school gardens through essential garden activities such as pruning and
mulching. These tasks teach environmental stewardship, patience, and the value
of sustaining the land that feeds the community.
Dressing
with Dignity: Teaching Cultural Attire and Presentation
The program also includes detailed lessons on traditional dressing, tailored to different age groups and genders. Girls are taught to wrap themselves with a suuka from the chest, while boys wrap an esuuka from the waist. Elders and male role models demonstrate the dignified kanzu, paired with authentic craft shoes such as emikalabanda or tangira (Lugabire). These sessions aim to cultivate a profound sense of pride in African identity and an understanding that presentation is a reflection of respect for self and others.
Welcoming
with Warmth and Greeting with Respect
In an era where digital interaction often replaces face-to-face connection, Hormisdallen is reviving the lost art of African hospitality and courtesy. Pupils are being trained in traditional forms of greeting elders and peers—bowing, kneeling, and using culturally appropriate language. This extends to welcoming visitors, where children learn the importance of helping a guest with their luggage as a sign of humility, warmth, and community spirit. These practices, deeply embedded in African philosophy, reinforce the values of humility, respect, and brotherhood.
