An engaging start for Uganda's exceptional teachers on Ireland trip
Annette Cregan of MIC took the group through the history of the Irish education system, teacher training and why education is considered a priority sector.
The 2025 Teachers Making A Difference team from Uganda kicked off their Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programme in Ireland with a lecture on an overview of the Irish education system, on September 28, 2026. (Credit: John Eremu)
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TMD IRELAND TRIP ✈️🇮🇪
📝 September 28: Getting started
The 2025 Teachers Making A Difference team from Uganda that arrived in Ireland on Sunday (September 27) started their Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programme Monday morning with a lecture on an overview of the Irish education system.
After a sumptuous English breakfast at The George Hotel in Limerick, the 12 teachers, part of the 18-member delegation, took a 20-minute trek to Mary Immaculate College (MIC) where most of the week-long activities will take place.
In her lecture, Annette Cregan, the MIC assistant professor for international education programmes, took the group through the history of the Irish education system, teacher training and why education is considered a priority sector.
Cregan emphasised that while 88.6% of schools in Ireland are Catholic schools, everybody, regardless of their religious denomination, is welcome and supported academically.
IN PICTURES
After having breakfast at their hotel, the visiting team headed out to Mary Immaculate College to kick off their week-long programme.
Here are the moments:
The team also met the president of MIC, Prof. Dermot Nestor.
Exceptional teachers
The Teachers Making a Difference annual initiative by Vision Group celebrates and honours exceptional, creative, and innovative educators. It runs in partnership with the Embassy of Ireland and Travelcare, alongside support from the Ministry of Education and Sports.
The project's goal is to recognize teachers across pre-primary, primary, secondary, and vocational levels who go above and beyond with limited resources, promote life skills, and uplift their communities.
Winners receive cash awards to invest back into their school projects and earn trips to Ireland for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes.
The 12 award winners of the 2025 edition, who are currently in Ireland, are:
▪️Anna Lomonyang, Kangole Boys Primary School, Napak
▪️Dr Aisha Mbeya is the headteacher of Nalubaale Secondary School, Bugiri
▪️Morris Wamuwaya, Nabumali Boarding Primary School, Mbale
▪️Job Afeku, Yoro Primary School, Adjumani
▪️Stella Ejang, St Katherine Secondary School, Lira
▪️Arafat Ndiwa Chemasuet, Kalas Girls Primary, Amudat
▪️John Bosco Loibok, Karenga Boys Primary School, Karenga
▪️ Richard Begura, Immaculate Heart Girls’ Sch, Rukungiri
▪️Tairi Fungaro, Yumbe Primary School, Yumbe
▪️Elisa Mfitundinda, Muramba Seed Secondary School, Kisoro
▪️Florence Nabasumba, St Peter's Nantabulirwa Primary School, Mukono