Name: Agnes (Katawera) BamuwamyeStatus:Former Namasagali Student
Residence: Pennsylvania, USA
REFLECTION ON NOSA REUNION –JUNE 29-Jul 1st 07
By Agnes (Katawera) Bamuwamye, (1983-85)
By Agnes (Katawera) Bamuwamye, (1983-85)
I consider it a great privilege to be asked to give a reflection on the NOSA reunion held on June 29th to July 1st in Boston MA. USA.
It is therefore with great thanks to the committee that I write this reflection. Yet my reflection will have gap in it if I skip the portion of how I found myself in Namasagali College.
While growing up I always had Gayaza High School as my dream school and Namagunga as my second choice for both “O “and “A” level education. After my “O” at Gayaza High School,I was not admitted back for “A”level, neither was I admitted in Namagunga Girls. Makerere College School offered me a place. My family strongly disagreed with the idea of my joining College school but suggested I try Namasagali College.
I have to confess I did not in the least like the idea but was also sure I would not be admitted to Namasagali based on the rumor I had come to believe that Father Grimes would not admit kids with big bodies of whom I was. So, I went to Sagali the first time to ask for place and Father Grimes told me to come back after 2 weeks. To be precise I was admitted into Namasagali to my disappointment. Every single day in Namasagali was a big challenge to me, alongside being the Lady Chief Justice and having to deal with the most serious cases that at times led to suspension of the students involved.
This does not mean that there were no easier/good times in Namasagali as far as I am concerned. I have to say that my being in Namasagali was so timely and God ordained. The person I am today has a lot to do with my experiences in Namasagali College where I learnt that it is all right to be different and to stand for the right regardless of the cost . And I give a lot of credit to Father Grimes who looked beyond what I could see and capitalized on what I could be.
So when I learnt of the 1st NOSA reunion on June 29th 2007, I was hesitant to make plans to attend because I did not know what to expect, although I thought it would be the younger generation to attend (graduates of the late 90’s to today). I was so wrong. I met one old student among many who graduated in the 70’s a good number in the 80’s and early 90’s. I came a day late but even then I was so amazed at the level of organization, hard work and commitment among the committee members/organizers. The visual /memorabilia moments were so awesome. I did not attend any dances but word from who had on their dancing shoes expressed so much fun. I was overjoyed to listen to Belton Mubiru sing.
Seeing Father Grimes still strong with a sound mind and committed as before was so exciting. He tried to attend all parts of the programs (not sure he stayed till the end of the dances, which I felt kept many out of trouble in the early days). I was so touched, when in his speech, Father Grimes apologized to the students that he may have been too hard on with regard to disciplinary actions. That was so “cleansing” yet very humbling on my part.
While growing up I always had Gayaza High School as my dream school and Namagunga as my second choice for both “O “and “A” level education. After my “O” at Gayaza High School,I was not admitted back for “A”level, neither was I admitted in Namagunga Girls. Makerere College School offered me a place. My family strongly disagreed with the idea of my joining College school but suggested I try Namasagali College.
I have to confess I did not in the least like the idea but was also sure I would not be admitted to Namasagali based on the rumor I had come to believe that Father Grimes would not admit kids with big bodies of whom I was. So, I went to Sagali the first time to ask for place and Father Grimes told me to come back after 2 weeks. To be precise I was admitted into Namasagali to my disappointment. Every single day in Namasagali was a big challenge to me, alongside being the Lady Chief Justice and having to deal with the most serious cases that at times led to suspension of the students involved.
This does not mean that there were no easier/good times in Namasagali as far as I am concerned. I have to say that my being in Namasagali was so timely and God ordained. The person I am today has a lot to do with my experiences in Namasagali College where I learnt that it is all right to be different and to stand for the right regardless of the cost . And I give a lot of credit to Father Grimes who looked beyond what I could see and capitalized on what I could be.
So when I learnt of the 1st NOSA reunion on June 29th 2007, I was hesitant to make plans to attend because I did not know what to expect, although I thought it would be the younger generation to attend (graduates of the late 90’s to today). I was so wrong. I met one old student among many who graduated in the 70’s a good number in the 80’s and early 90’s. I came a day late but even then I was so amazed at the level of organization, hard work and commitment among the committee members/organizers. The visual /memorabilia moments were so awesome. I did not attend any dances but word from who had on their dancing shoes expressed so much fun. I was overjoyed to listen to Belton Mubiru sing.
Seeing Father Grimes still strong with a sound mind and committed as before was so exciting. He tried to attend all parts of the programs (not sure he stayed till the end of the dances, which I felt kept many out of trouble in the early days). I was so touched, when in his speech, Father Grimes apologized to the students that he may have been too hard on with regard to disciplinary actions. That was so “cleansing” yet very humbling on my part.
The song “ We are the world” that was mimed too, moved me to tears as it enhanced the call to give back to the community so much in need (to make a better change) and now is the time. And with it I made a commitment to myself to attend every one of the reunions to come irrespective of the location given good health. So when one of the committee members came to talk about the scholarship fund, the message was right on time. We can not wait for tomorrow as we all know tomorrow has enough in itself. As I sat there listening I felt the urge that we the older old students need to be more vigilant in joining hands with the organizers to make a greater impact. I believe that a greater success/impact of the NOSA reunion will be felt when we all realize the importance of working together as Namasagali old student irrespective of the generations. Namasagali will always be our school, and so we all have to make an effort support NOSA and its cause and Mission as our own. Talking to Father Grimes on a personal basis, I realized that he had grand ideas but they will require solidarity on our part as the Old students. .
It is high time we all took it upon ourselves to help NOSA leadership/organizing committees in anyway possible including passing on the word.
I think the reunion was a great success given the fact that it was the first of its kind. HOORAY to the organizers for the job well done. While on the same note, I was so curious to find out whether there was a budget and if so whether it was met. I was looking at expenses in form of venues, Father’s travel and accommodation, logistics etc. That is when I thought about a fee for NOSA membership (however small).
As excited at the turn of events as earlier expressed, I still think it would have been even much better if we had a business meeting where people could have an opportunity to brain storm on the direction of NOSA and how best to get there. None the less I am still amazed at the Job well done by the organizing committee.
Mrs. Agnes (Katawera) Bamuwamye
Pennsylvania, USA
I think the reunion was a great success given the fact that it was the first of its kind. HOORAY to the organizers for the job well done. While on the same note, I was so curious to find out whether there was a budget and if so whether it was met. I was looking at expenses in form of venues, Father’s travel and accommodation, logistics etc. That is when I thought about a fee for NOSA membership (however small).
As excited at the turn of events as earlier expressed, I still think it would have been even much better if we had a business meeting where people could have an opportunity to brain storm on the direction of NOSA and how best to get there. None the less I am still amazed at the Job well done by the organizing committee.
Mrs. Agnes (Katawera) Bamuwamye
Pennsylvania, USA
No comments:
Post a Comment