Our History
History of St. Mary’s Ediofe Girls Secondary School
The school was founded through the visionary leadership
of Mzee Jascinto Angio Aziku, a committed community elder who recognized a
critical gap in access to girls’ education within the region.
At the time of its conception, educational opportunities for girls in West Nile
were extremely limited. Many families had to send their daughters to distant
schools, with the nearest girls’ secondary school located approximately 69
kilometers away, making access difficult, costly, and in many cases impossible.
This challenge greatly contributed to low female school enrollment and retention
in formal education.
Driven by a strong sense of purpose and community service, Mzee Aziku took a
bold step to change this reality. With determination and personal sacrifice, he
mobilized local support, encouraged families, and worked tirelessly to establish
a nearby institution where girls could study in a safe, accessible, and
disciplined environment. His vision was not merely to build a school, but to
transform the future of the girl child in West Nile.
The school began in humble conditions, with limited infrastructure and modest
learning facilities. However, from its earliest days, it was built on strong
foundations of discipline, academic seriousness, and moral formation, values
that continue to define its identity today. The calm and highly structured
learning environment quickly distinguished Ediofe as a school of focus and
excellence.
“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” - Robert Collier
Over time, the school grew steadily through a
combination of:
- Community participation and parental support
- Strong backing from the Catholic Church (Arua Diocese)
- Strong backing from the Catholic Church (Arua Diocese)
- Assistance from development partners and charitable organizations
The Arua Catholic Diocese, which oversees several educational and social institutions in the region, played a key role in strengthening the school’s governance and Catholic identity, ensuring that education at Ediofe remained both academically strong and spiritually grounded.
As enrollment increased, the school expanded its infrastructure, improving classrooms, laboratories, and boarding facilities. It also adapted to changing educational needs, including accommodating students from diverse backgrounds, including refugee learners who sought education within Uganda’s inclusive education system.
From its initial small intake of learners, St. Mary’s Ediofe Girls Secondary School has grown into a large and respected institution enrolling over 1,000 students, making it one of the leading girls’ schools in the region.