Teachers in Uganda are one of the category of civil servants
poorly paid by Government in terms of salaries. As a result very few teachers
are capable to pay for their own upgrading. Prior to 2008, most of the teachers
at St. Lawrence School were under trained. As a result the teaching approaches
they were using could not help pupils to attain quality education. The
community had lost interest in the school. Learners’ absenteeism, late
reporting and dropouts were high.
Staff development scheme initiated in 2008 is
helping teachers to upgrade their skills in pedagogy and management. Training
is vital to the institution since it increases the confidence and commitment of
staff, gives a feeling of personal satisfaction and achievement broadening
opportunities for career progression
Between 2008 and to date, Five teachers have attained
diplomas in education, one teacher, a Bachelor of Education degree and one
teacher is pursuing a master’s degree. In addition, teaching staff regularly attend
professional development workshops and seminars to upgrade their skills in
pedagogy.
The intervention of encouraging teachers to
upgrade at St. Lawrence School has helped them to improve on their
instructional techniques. Learners’ academic performance has greatly improved,
for example failing rate of primary seven completer s has been put to zero. The community’s interest
in school has also improved. Thus, their participation in school activities has
increased. Learners absenteeism and drop out rates have reduced because they find meaning in what they learn.
By Wesige Andrew,
Education Coordinator,
Change A Life Uganda.
By Wesige Andrew,
Education Coordinator,
Change A Life Uganda.