{UAH} Dr Ian Clarke moves to start nursery school

Dr Ian Clarke

Nearly 35 years after he first made Uganda his home, Dr Ian Clarke has moved more actively into the education sector, starting a nursery school that is planned to evolve into a primary school.

Dr Clarke started out as a missionary doctor at Kiwoko hospital in Nakaseke district, in the early 1980s, before he founded the International Hospital Kampala (IHK). Alongside the IHK, he started a training school for nurses, which is now evolving into a university.

However, last week he unveiled Clarke Junior School, arguing that it would aim to make a difference.

"When you look at most people, they are not daft; they are lacking in critical thinking skills … the current education system aims at knowledge gathering and kills the inquiring mind, right from the start," he said. "Clarke Junior will look to emphasise on a child's inquiring mind, so that they are lifelong learners, rather than those who can reproduce knowledge for examinations." 

Clarke emphasised that the school would follow the contemporary Ugandan curriculum, but also look to encouraging children to develop critical thinking skills, so they can apply the knowledge learned.

The school, located in Muyenga, is targeted at the discerning middle-income earner, looking for a good education. Consequently, the tuition fees charged at the school range from Shs 800,000 per term for those in baby class to Shs 1,500,000 in top class, P1, P2 ad P3.

However, he said he was open to the idea of offering bursaries to poor but intelligent children to study at the school.

Dr Clarke, who has employed thousands over the years, emphasised that Ugandan learners are very bright, but are taught to only pass their exams.

"We will be looking for teachers who can combine the provision of knowledge and developing the children's skills … I'm aware that these are not very many; so, we are looking to pay them well and maintain them here."

Part of the artistic impression of Clarke Junior School, currently approaching completion of construction in Bukasa, Muyenga

He added that the school would incorporate international teaching standards, using the latest research and trends. Thus children going to Clarke Junior School can expect to start off using tablet computers and whiteboards as well as other technology. 

Asked why he was embracing the education sector, when his expertise is in the health sector, Clarke had an interesting answer.

"My wife is a teacher, my son Sean and his wife are also teachers … so, I'm surrounded by teachers … and I like to do stuff that is sustainable," he said.

mtalemwa@observer.ug

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