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Strategies for learning after suspension of school trips
Following fatal accidents that prompted the suspension of school trips, Irene Natukunda advocates STEAM education and parental involvement to give learners practical experiences beyond the classroom, writes Irene Natukunda
Irene Natukunda. (File)
By: Admin ., Journalist @New Vision
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OPINION
By Irene Natukunda
School trips have traditionally been simple, exciting events that students, teachers, and parents eagerly anticipated. Learners travelled to various iconic sites across Uganda, such as Jinja to see the Source of the Nile and local manufacturing industries, Entebbe to visit the zoo and relax on the beaches, and Kampala to explore attractions like the Uganda Museum, the Seven Hills, and the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) trade fair.
In different regions, students visited notable landmarks like the hot springs and cultural sites in Western Uganda, as well as the Nyero Rock Paintings in Eastern Uganda.
These trips were typically completed within a day, making them manageable for most students. In addition, school trips were mainly reserved for candidates preparing for their UNEB national exams, providing them with valuable practical exposure.
In different regions, students visited notable landmarks like the hot springs and cultural sites in Western Uganda, as well as the Nyero Rock Paintings in Eastern Uganda.
These trips were typically completed within a day, making them manageable for most students. In addition, school trips were mainly reserved for candidates preparing for their UNEB national exams, providing them with valuable practical exposure.
Indeed, this initiative engaged young people in tourism, teaching them the vital role of the tourism sector. Despite the joy and beautiful memories that come with these trips, several challenges have emerged. For example, on July 16, 2026, 23 pupils and their school director died in a bus accident. A day later, a bus carrying secondary school students was involved in an accident that claimed the life of its driver.
Earlier in the month, a train in Mukono collided with a school bus, killing one person and injuring several others. This was a traumatic period to the children, parents and the entire nation. Subsequently, school trips were suspended by government while exploring safer ways to manage and conduct them.
While this measure offered comfort, many educators and the wider community were concerned because the current curriculum requires practical experiences for our children. Rather than waiting for the government to lift the suspension, we can take on innovative solutions. One promising approach is integrating STEAM education. This is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics, which encourages students to think creatively, solve problems, and apply knowledge through hands-on projects and activities.
One may worry about the associated resource costs, but there are so many activities that can be done at a minimum cost. For instance, recycled material projects, water filtration experiments, gardening, power circuit projects, making musical instruments, and low-cost hygiene tools. We, the parents, can also take the lead in supporting our children to explore various sites during holidays and weekends, since the active involvement of parents plays a crucial role in supporting a child’s learning journey. Ultimately, the aim is to inspire learners to go beyond traditional classroom learning, nurturing practical skills and meaningful understanding of what they learn that fosters lifelong growth.
Earlier in the month, a train in Mukono collided with a school bus, killing one person and injuring several others. This was a traumatic period to the children, parents and the entire nation. Subsequently, school trips were suspended by government while exploring safer ways to manage and conduct them.
While this measure offered comfort, many educators and the wider community were concerned because the current curriculum requires practical experiences for our children. Rather than waiting for the government to lift the suspension, we can take on innovative solutions. One promising approach is integrating STEAM education. This is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics, which encourages students to think creatively, solve problems, and apply knowledge through hands-on projects and activities.
One may worry about the associated resource costs, but there are so many activities that can be done at a minimum cost. For instance, recycled material projects, water filtration experiments, gardening, power circuit projects, making musical instruments, and low-cost hygiene tools. We, the parents, can also take the lead in supporting our children to explore various sites during holidays and weekends, since the active involvement of parents plays a crucial role in supporting a child’s learning journey. Ultimately, the aim is to inspire learners to go beyond traditional classroom learning, nurturing practical skills and meaningful understanding of what they learn that fosters lifelong growth.