Youth Summer Camp Inspires Young Minds at St. Augustine International School

Robert Tumwesigye, Principal of St. Augustine International School, has applauded the growing cultural and academic partnership between his school and Rosinka, a Russian-speaking women’s association promoting Russian culture and language in Uganda.

Speaking during a children’s summer camp hosted at the school, Tumwesigye said this was the second time St. Augustine International School had partnered with Rosinka to host the youth camp.

“The summer camp is organized by a group of women from Russia under Rosinka. It mainly focuses on spreading Russian culture in Uganda. We have cooperated with them to bring this Youth Camp to St. Augustine International School, and this is our second time hosting them.” He said.

He noted that the program has significantly supported the integration of the Russian language into the school curriculum, helping learners adapt quickly.

He went on to say “Our school is an international school with global connections. We are multilingual as part of our curriculum. Apart from the compulsory English language, learners are required to study three to four additional languages. Previously, we were offering five languages. Russian has been one of the languages our learners are adapting to very quickly.”

Tumwesigye credited the Russian Federation for its continued support in providing teachers and learning resources, which has enhanced the learning experience.

“With the support from the embassy, we get teachers and resources, and the children are picking up the language very fast.” He added.

Call for Curriculum Review

 The principal also called on Uganda’s Ministry of Education to further review and strengthen the national Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), drawing comparisons with the Cambridge curriculum his school uses.

“We run the Cambridge curriculum from the UK, while many other schools follow the Competency-Based Curriculum. Our curriculum is learner-centered and emphasizes critical thinking and understanding.” He explained.

He argued that although the CBC promotes practical skills, there are areas that need strengthening.

“If you compare two students-one from the Cambridge system and one from the new Competency-Based Curriculum,the Cambridge student is often far better in reacting to situations, understanding concepts, and giving quick responses. That is an area that needs improvement.” He further stressed.

However, he commended the Ugandan government for its efforts in industrialization. “The government is doing well by creating industrial parks across the country. But we must also consider what we are teaching in schools to prepare learners for these opportunities.”

Tumwesigye revealed that the school has gone beyond the standard curriculum by introducing modern technology programs.

“At our college section, we are running programs in quantum technology and the Internet of Things (IoT). We have also introduced coding and programming. From Primary One, learners begin studying HTML and progressively advance as they grow.”

He emphasized that schools should move beyond minimum curriculum requirements to prepare learners for the digital future.

Cultural Celebrations and Activities 

The summer camp, held as part of a cultural festival traditionally organized to bid farewell to winter and welcome spring, brought together teachers of the Russian language, educationists, students, and members of the media.

The event was organized by Olga Atubo, Russian language teacher in Uganda and Head of Rosinka (Russian Speaking Women Association in Uganda). 

Young students were awarded certificates. Learners sang Russian songs. A cake-cutting ceremony was held. Children participated in coloring games.

They were introduced to Russian cuisine, including the famous Russian pancakes known as blini.

Cultural elements such as souvenir gifts from “Father Christmas” were showcased.

Students learned about Russian geography, history, and were inspired toward careers in space science professions.

The festival not only promoted language learning but also strengthened cultural exchange between Uganda and Russia, giving learners global exposure at an early age.