From November 19 – 20, the Chairman Board of Directors of the GKIHS Dr. Derek Swemmer and the GKIHS South African Regional Director Ms. Charlene Gunter were in Uganda on a fact finding mission to Makerere University. The visit follows an application Dr. Willy Ngaka, the National Coordinator, Centre for Lifelong Learning made to the management of the GKIHS to start a chapter that will serve the students of Makerere University irrespective of their disciplines.
Dr. Willy Ngaka, who is an invited member of the GKIHS and the interim Chapter Advisor said that the main purpose of the visit was to enable the team acquaint themselves with the social, economic, political and legal context in which GKIHS Chapter in Uganda will operate and explain to the leaders of Makerere University what the concept is about, its potential benefits to the University Community, and what modus of operandi could be adopted for Uganda. While in Uganda, the team discussed the concept of GKIHS with the DVC – AA, Minister of Education and Sports, South African High Commissioner, Principals of the nine Colleges and Dean School of Law.
According to Dr. Ngaka, the idea is to start with Makerere University and gradually move to include all the Public Universities in Uganda and other member states of the East African Community so as to ensure sustainability of the anticipated benefits to the students and the Universities. Currently in Africa, it is only South Africa whose Universities are members in the GKIHS and this will make Uganda the second country to become a member of the same in Africa. Golden Key International Honour Society (GKIHS) is one of the largest, most renowned international honour societies with 400 chapters in eight countries around the world.
GKIHS exists to unlock and enliven excellence within its members with a unique focus on specific areas of academics, leadership and community Service. Membership into the Society is by invitation only and applies to the top 15% of college and university 2nd, 3rd and 4th year students as well as top-performing graduate students in all fields of study, based solely on the their academic achievements. GKIHS offers its members exclusive opportunities and connections through $1,000,000 annually in scholarships and awards, partnerships with major corporations, career advancement and graduate programs, participation in international conferences and promoting community service.
By Sheila Mwebaze Tindi