St. Kizito High School Namugongo Shortlisted for Prestigious World's Best School Prize

St. Kizito High School in Namugongo has achieved a significant international milestone, being named among the top ten schools worldwide for the 2026 World’s Best School Prizes. The school is nominated in the ‘Overcoming Adversity’ category for its remarkable work in addressing local environmental challenges through student-led initiatives.

The T4 Education award, often dubbed the ‘World Cup for Schools,’ celebrates institutions that demonstrate excellence across five categories. St. Kizito’s inclusion highlights Uganda’s progress in skills development, climate action, and youth employment.

The school’s transformative project began by tackling the waste generated by the annual pilgrimage to Namugongo. Students, working in supervised clubs four days a week, convert waste into briquettes for fuel and animal feed. This initiative not only cleans the local environment but also provides practical skills and economic opportunities.

This hands-on, experiential learning model involves students identifying problems in markets, forests, and local communities, then designing and implementing solutions. The success of these projects is integrated into their academic performance, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility and entrepreneurship. Over 50 students are currently funding their education through these green skills, and more than 100 have launched their own small businesses.

“Each one of these exemplary schools shortlisted for this global schools prize has, in its own unique way, helped prepare young people for a world that has never seemed so uncertain,” said Vikas Pota, Founder of T4 Education. “Congratulations to St Kizito High School on being shortlisted for the fifth annual World’s Best School Prizes. It has shown that Uganda’s schools truly stand among the best in the world.”

St. Kizito’s impact extends beyond its campus, with over 30 other schools adopting similar environmental models. The school is also a contender for the Community Choice Award, with public voting now open.

This recognition comes at a crucial time for Uganda, which is focusing on expanding vocational training, creating youth employment, and managing urban waste. St. Kizito High School provides a powerful example of how local challenges can be transformed into educational opportunities that empower students and benefit the wider community.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)