Learn, apply lessons from Ireland — Teachers advised

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It’s the second day of the Teachers Making a Difference award winners’ trip to Ireland.

The day for the 2022 and 2023 winners started with a sumptuous breakfast and a briefing by officials from the Irish Embassy and the Ministry of Education and Sports.

The briefing entailed what the teachers should expect, what is expected of them and the day’s activities. 

Teachers were advised to learn as much as possible and create an action plan on what they will apply in Uganda, how and in what time frame. (Credit: Joy Abo)

To enhance the teachers’ experiences from the trip, they were divided into pairs. The pairing exercise was facilitated by Dr Mugisha Annet Kajura, the commissioner for teacher training at the education ministry, ensuring regional and gender balance. 

She explained that the expectation of pairing the teachers is for them to learn from and keep an eye out for each other. 

In addition, each pair was tasked with leading the reflection session at the end of each day which will include a brief of the day’s activities, lessons learned and challenges. 

Teachers before they set off for a tour of Dublin. (Credit: Joy Abo)

Explaining the partners’ expectations, the teachers were advised to make the most of the trip by Dr Jane Egau Okou, the Undersecretary in the Ministry of Education and Sports. 

She advised teachers to learn as much as possible and create an action plan on what they will apply in Uganda, how and in what time frame.

The lessons are not only limited to the classroom, she added, they can also be in one’s personal development and for the community. 

Irish Embassy’s Naome Atako Muhwezi addresses teachers on what to expect on the trip in Ireland. (Credit: Joy Abo)

She underscored the importance of excellence in all activities.

“This is the start of a long journey with many opportunities to excel,” Dr Egau said. 
Network with and learn from one another, Dr Egau further advised the educators. 

Amplifying this call further, the Irish Embassy’s Bonita Fauchan advised the teachers to be proactive in the different institutions and officials they will meet with. 

Dr Egau’s final piece of advice was for the participants to be disciplined as they are representing Uganda. 

(L-R) Irish Embassy’s Bonita Fauchan and Ministry of Education and Sports Undersecretary Dr Jane Egau Okou and Bannet Birungi at the National Teacher Council Secretariat in Ireland. (Credit: Joy Abo)

About the trip

The all-expenses-paid study tour is one of the prizes for the Teachers Making a Difference winners. 

The project is sponsored by the Embassy of Ireland, Travelcare and the New Vision. 
The 11 participants won in the 2022 and 2023 editions of the Teachers Making a Difference awards. 

The 2023 winners are Mathias Kidon, Kalatom PS, Napak; Festo Gutaka, Kibembe PS, Sironko; Nsubuga Francis Sematimba, St Maria Gorette Mpugwe PS, Masaka City; Biira Nabukwasi, Namunsi PS, Mbale and Joel Mukose, Namaganjo PS, Bugiri. 

The 2022 winners include Innocent Masanja, Amaler PS, Nakapiripirit, Benah Siminyu, Mugulu HS, Butaleja; Jilda Aweko, Nyapea Boys PS, Zombo; Aluma Baduru Shiliman, Kei Seed SS, Yumbe; Oscar Ntwatwa, Rwamwanja SS, Kamwenge and Everlyn Apalat, Nagongera Girls PS, Tororo.