By Nathan Eyagu 

SOROTI — Jeressar High School has officially confirmed its participation in the Emorimor Coronation Run, a major fundraising event aimed at boosting education and tackling school dropout rates across the Teso sub-region.

The annual run, themed “Run For A Child”, is part of a larger initiative spearheaded by the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) under the leadership of His Highness Emorimor Papa Paul Sande Emolot, the Paramount Chief of the Iteso. The event seeks to raise funds for the Emorimor Education Fund, a community-driven program designed to support vulnerable learners and strengthen access to education at all levels.

According to the organisers, the run — set for October 18, 2025 — will bring together schools, community groups, corporate bodies, and individuals from across Teso to run in solidarity for a noble cause: keeping every child in school.

The Emorimor Education Fund, launched earlier this year, is designed to reduce dropout rates in the region by providing direct financial support to children who cannot afford tuition and other scholastic materials. Each clan in Teso is encouraged to contribute at least Shs100,000 annually, with proceeds pooled into an education fund managed transparently by community and cultural leaders.

The fund, which has already raised over Shs155 million in cash and pledges, aims to mobilize at least Shs800 million to sponsor bright but needy students from primary to university level. The initiative also seeks to restore community ownership of education and complement government efforts such as UPE and USE.

Jeressar High School’s decision to join the Emorimor Run reflects its deep commitment to educational transformation in Teso. The school community — including students, teachers, and parents — will participate in the run as part of a collective effort to promote education and uplift the lives of underprivileged children.

Speaking to media, Ms. Asekenye Bertha, the Head Teacher of Jeressar High School, expressed pride in the school’s involvement:

“Our participation in the Emorimor Run is a statement of our belief that every child deserves a chance at education. We are not just running for fun — we are running for a purpose. At Jeressar, we understand the power of education in shaping lives and communities, and we are proud to stand with Emorimor in this noble cause.”

Ms. Asekenye added that the initiative will not only raise funds but also raise awareness about the need for collective responsibility in addressing the dropout crisis in Teso.

The Emorimor Run is expected to attract hundreds of participants across districts including Soroti, Kumi, Ngora, Katakwi, and Amuria. Participants will receive branded kits, with proceeds going directly to the education fund.

Beyond the fundraising aspect, the run aims to inspire a cultural shift — one where families, clans, and schools unite to ensure that no child is left behind due to poverty or lack of support.

In a region where economic challenges have often led to high dropout rates, the Emorimor Education Fund is seen as a homegrown solution — one that blends cultural values with modern education needs. By mobilizing local resources, the fund seeks to create a sustainable support system for generations of learners.

As Jeressar High School and other institutions join the run, the message is clear: education is not just a government responsibility, but a shared mission for every Itesot.

“Together, we’re raising our voices — and our heart rates — for a brighter future for every child in Teso,” Ms. Asekenye emphasized with a smile.

The Emorimor Run stands as a powerful reminder that when communities move together, no child should be left behind.