BY AYIGA ONDOGA

It was cutting, and pasting coupled with lots of discussions during The New Vision’s Newspapers in Education (NIE) workshops in Kashaari and Rwampara counties in Mbarara recently.

Edward Mbabazi, the Mbarara district education officer, coordinated the workshops. The two workshops attracted over 200 head teachers from Mbarara district.

“The newspapers are a great source of knowledge because they simplify learning. Since children are interested in stories and attractive photographs, it makes them engage in discussions,” Jane Namara, the headteacher of Rwamuhigi Primary School, Kashaari observed.

Deus Mutungi, the headmaster of St. Mary’s Rweibaare Primary School, commended NIE for creating a relaxed learning environment but pointed out financial constraints as an obstacle.

“We are limited by financial resources to purchase newspapers for our pupils. Otherwise, we have embraced the NIE approach,’ said Mutungi.

Jamesa Wagwau, the education editor, and John Eremu, the investigations and special projects editor, conducted the training.

Stephen Nsasiirwe, the inspector of schools in-charge of Rwampara county, urged the headteachers to keep records of the number of pupils and teachers for accountability of Universal Primary Education (UPE) funds. He said the method would help in stamping out corruption in schools.

“You are expected to account for the public money you have been entrusted with to deliver services,” Nsasiirwe said.

The workshop ended with a word of gratitude from George Bindeeba, inspector of schools, Kashaari county. He commended The New Vision for the initiative and described NIE as a ‘timely intervention’ to help curb the poor reading culture in the country.

NIE is a worldwide movement that strives to make learning child-centred and the classroom environment more stimulating. Through this programme, The New Vision works with education stakeholders to improve the reading culture through the use of newspapers. It also trains teachers to use newspapers as teaching resource.

The head-teachers commended Vision Group for boosting the education ministry’s efforts in improving literacy at primary levels. They said the creative approach will improve the deteriorating reading culture.