Teachers Making a Difference described as 'Lighting a Fire' in education

________________

The Irish Ambassador to Uganda, Mags Gaynor, has reiterated Ireland’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s education sector, noting that teachers are central to shaping the country’s future.

Speaking at the Teachers Making a Difference (TMAD) Awards held at State House, Entebbe, Gaynor said teachers play an extraordinary role in building societies by inspiring learners and nurturing their potential.

“Teachers go far beyond delivering lessons. They inspire curiosity, nurture confidence and support their students to reach their full potential,” she said.

The event was presided over by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni.

Gaynor noted that since 2017, Ireland, in partnership with Vision Group and Travel Care, has supported the TMAD initiative, which recognises outstanding teachers across Uganda who go the extra mile in their communities.

She revealed that nearly 100 teachers have been nationally recognised through the awards, with some benefiting from professional learning exchanges in Ireland.

“These exchanges are always very inspiring. Irish teachers often remark on the creativity and dedication of Ugandan teachers, even in resource-constrained environments,” she said.

According to the ambassador, the exchange programmes have fostered mutual learning, with both Ugandan and Irish educators sharing best practices and strengthening professional networks.

Gaynor also highlighted Ireland’s broader support to Uganda’s education sector, noting that the Embassy of Ireland in Uganda invests over €6 million annually in education and skills development initiatives.

She said the funding supports partnerships with organisations such as UNICEF, World Food Programme, AVSI Foundation, Straight Talk Foundation and Vision Group to improve access to education, teacher development and learning outcomes.

The ambassador commended the Government of Uganda for ongoing reforms, including the Education Policy Review and the National Teacher Policy, which aim to strengthen the sector and improve quality.

However, she emphasised the need for increased investment in education, particularly to ensure equitable access for learners in underserved regions such as Karamoja, and to advance girls’ education and gender equality.

“Sustaining these gains will require increased public spending in the education sector, together with a strong focus on improving the quality of teaching and learning,” she said.

Gaynor described the TMAD initiative as a strong public-private partnership that highlights excellence in teaching and contributes to national development.

She concluded by applauding teachers for their dedication and impact, noting that their work continues to transform communities and shape Uganda’s future.

Quoting Irish poet W. B. Yeats, she said: “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire,” adding that the teachers recognised are lighting that fire for thousands of young people.