After unveiling a new Uganda Inspire Initiative, an umbrella corporate social responsibility (CSR) program, Sanlam Life Insurance has launched an education scholarship initiative dubbed “Better life campaign” aimed at top performers of Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) who will have an opportunity to receive scholarship to continue their studies in Ordinary level education.
The campaign targets 10 pupils of Sanlam insurance clients per year for 4 years in a bid to supplement improve the lives and offer financial relief for the parents and students.
Speaking at the launch, John Lintari, CEO of Sanlam Life Insurance Uganda said that through the Better life campaign, a number of top-performing candidates in the forthcoming PLE will have the opportunity to further their secondary education through a scholarship at a high school of their choice.
“As we draw closer to our ten-year celebrations, we are focusing on the education sector, assisting our clients through our vast experience, and logistical support and tools to plan for the education of their Children. Sanlam is excited to provide the upcoming leaders of Uganda with an opportunity to shape them for the future,” he said.
George Mutekanga, The Assistant Commissioner in charge of Private schools and Institution of Higher Learning in Ministry of Education and Sports (middle in featured photo) while officiating at the campaign launch applauded Sanlam for supporting the government education programme through cooperate social responsibilities, calling upon other companies to embrace the same.
He urged Sanlam to consider mostly the upcountry students and a gender sensitive selection.
“Education is a human right as enshrined in articles 30 and 34 of the Constitution of Uganda, Sanlam’s efforts to offer scholarships will go a long way to cover the funding gap created by the government policy on cost sharing when it comes to fees for secondary education,” he said.
Mutekanga cautioned schools that continuously increase school fees without the consent of the ministry of education permanent secretary.
He added that penalties may include de-registering the school’s examination cantrer among others.
“According to the education policy, in case a school wants to increase school fees, they should get permission from the Permanent Secretary in the Education ministry. The process starts with Parents Teachers meeting on the need to increase agreed by the entire group. If not followed, it’s illegal and carries penalties from the advice by the ministry committee,” he said.
By Drake Nyamugabwa
Hi am agu rasul i sat my ple in 2019 i got aggr 18 due to lack of fees i didn’t join sencondary i would like to request scholarships from u THANKS 0783067323