Winners of the Teachers Making a Difference 2023 competition are set to be awarded today in a ceremony taking place at the Vision Group head offices in Kampala.

The competition will climax with the recognition of the 12 most outstanding and innovative teachers. The 12 winners were selected through a rigorous process from among the 425 teachers nominated for the competition that has run since June.

“Of the nominees, 60 teachers were profiled in New Vision since June, before an independent jury of eminent personalities selected the top 12 for recognition,” Joy Abo, the New Vision senior multimedia producer responsible for the information and education hub, said.

Abo said the selection of the winners was done in November by a panel of five judges, who are experts in the education sector.

“The judges reviewed all the 60 nominees profiled to select the best. On the panel, we had someone from the education ministry and from the Education Policy Review Commission, among others. Their role was purely doing diligent work to see that the best people win,” she added.

Six of the 12 will travel to Ireland for an all-expenses-paid study tour courtesy of the Irish Embassy and Travelcare Limited.

It should be noted that this year, past winners who went to Ireland and have continued to make a difference upon their return, will also be recognised.

Lamaro rallies teachers

Officiating at the launch of the nominations for the competition in April, the education ministry permanent secretary, Ketty Lamaro, called upon all teachers to participate, saying it fulfils the continuous professional development on innovative approaches to education service delivery.

“The timing of this competition is perfect because it comes at a time when we are recovering from the impacts of COVID-19 on our education system. This competition creates an opportunity to appreciate educators who diligently and passionately support and give children the best,” Lamaro said.

Vision Group platforms namely Bukedde TV1, Bukedde FM, Bukedde TV2, XFM, Kabalega FM, TV West, Urban TV, TV East, Wan Luo TV and digital platforms will broadcast the Teachers Making a Difference awards ceremony live.

“We have an excellent events management team that has as usual been planning to ensure nothing is left to chance,” the New Vision Editor, John Eremu, said, adding that a beautiful documentary on the Teachers Making a Difference project journey will be played as guests are treated to a luncheon.

Invited guests have been advised to keep time so that the function ends as scheduled.

“I request all the invited guests to be seated by 12:00pm,” Eremu said.

Attendance

The event at Vision Group head offices in Kampala’s Industrial Area will be attended mainly by representatives from agencies and organisations with a stake in education.

Since 2017, New Vision has implemented the Teachers Making a Difference project in partnership with the Embassy of Ireland and Travelcare, one of Uganda’s leading tour and travel management companies.

About the competition

Since its inception in 2008, the Teachers Making a Difference project recognises and rewards teachers who have gone beyond the call of duty and through innovation, greatly impact their learners and the school communities.

Over 120 teachers have been recognised over the years. A total of 24 teachers have travelled to Ireland for professional development since the embassy of Ireland and TravelCare partnered with Vision Group on the project in 2017.