FAWE Uganda Newsletter 1St Edition
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Newsletter: 1st Edition, 2021 FAWE Uganda FORUM FOR AFRICAN WOMEN EDUCATIONALISTS (FAWE) UGANDA CHAPTER “24 Years of Enhancing Girls’ and Women’s Education for Development” FAWE Uganda 1997 – 2021” ABOUT US Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) Uganda Chapter is one of the 34 National Chapters of Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE), a pan African Non-governmental Organization (NGO) founded in 1992 by five women ministers of education to promote girls’ and women’s education in Africa. FAWE Uganda was established in 1997 with the goal of accelerating female participation in education and closing the gender gap within the education system at all levels in Uganda. FAWE Uganda works for the benefit of vulnerable wom- en and girls, boys, the disabled and other socially marginalized groups in communities. OUR VISION A Uganda in which all girls and women effectively participate in sustainable development. OUR MISSION To enhance gender equity, equality and inclusion in education by influencing policies, nurturing attitudes and practices, and implementing interventions that positively influence girls’ education. CORE VALUES • Respect • Professionalism • Accountability • Results Oriented • Continuous lifelong learning 60 GRADUATE WITH CERTIFICATES IN HIGHER EDUCATION – TRANSITION INTO FULL TIME DEGREE PROGRAMMES One of the graduants awarded for excellent performance On 27th March 2021, FAWE Uganda held a graduation ceremony for 60 scholars (26F, 34M) who completed the Higher Education Access Certificate (HEAC) Program at Busitema University in Tororo district, Eastern Uganda.The ceremony was meant to appreciate and congratulate learners who successfully completed the one (1) year certificate study programme, and prepare them to transition into full time University degree courses. It popularized the Higher Education Access Certificate Programme in Uganda through clarifying fears and expectations associated with it; with a major objective of increasing the number of students taking-up the course in the seven (7) Partner Universities of Busitema, Gulu, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Lira , Muni and Kabale . After the accomplishment, all the 60 learners were successful enrolled and admitted for different science related degree courses at Busitema University and are sponsored by the mastercard foundation. The courses pursued include, Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery, Nursing, Agricultural Mechanization and Irrigation, Engineering, Ed- ucation in Sciences and Languages; and Water Resources Management, Animal Production and Management. Graduates, FAWE Uganda Staff and Guests posing for a group photo Prior the graduation ceremony, a two day transition workshop was held and learners oriented on career selection and how to succeed in a professional work environment, understanding Institutional rules, regulations and reporting structures, life at university, mentorship and coordination at different campuses, discipline and building blocks of success. The objective was to enable scholars settle and concentrate on their studies in their next journey. The event was graced by several dignitaries including officials from Busitema University – The Dean Facility of Science and Agriculture, Quality Assurance; Academic Registrars from Gulu and Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Media, FAWE Uganda staff, mentors - roles models, and learners. Upon closure of the ceremony, a radio talk show was held at Rock Mambo FM in Tororo district to create awareness about the certificate programme. Three (3) gradaunts and Dean Faculty of Science and Education featured as Panelists on the talk show. Learners shared their testimonies, experiences about the programme, appreciated FAWE and mastercard foundation for enabling them realize their dreams. The talk show reached over 3 million people in Eastern Uganda. The Higher Education Access Certificate (HEAC) Program is aimed at enabling students, who have not attained sufficient grades at Senior Six (6) to enroll for degree courses after successfully undertaking a one certificate programme. It serves as an alternative route to access University Education by A-level students who did not attain two principal passes as the current direct requirement for University admission. AWARD OF SCIENCE AND INNOVATION TEACHERS IN UGANDA One of the Teachers receiving a Brand New Laptop Mr. Arthur Makara, the Commissioner Science Innovation and Outreach, Ministry of Science and Technology expressed that, “As Government we Appreciate FAWE and Dubai Cares for implementing STEM interventions in Uganda. We supported this program right from inception because of the associated benefits and we call for its continuation to consolidate registered achievements.” He added that, “For girls to embrace sciences, we need to continue engaging parents, families and communities as they are the ones discouraging - end the stereotypes inhibiting girls from climbing electricity poles. We lag behind as a country because we have not embraced sciences fully. It’s the reason we are importing every- thing today including simple things that can be made here. The Government of Uganda noticed this and it’s the reason we are mainstreaming Science education now including increasing better pay for teachers so that they are motivatedto teach.” Mrs. Martha Muhwezi, CEO FAWE Africa noted that, “Many girls are discouraged from doing sciences because of the misconception that, they are difficult and meant for boys, which is wrong. Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) The teachers represented 80 schools (40 partner and Uganda Chapter recognized and awarded 40 Science, 40 twin) covering different regions and districts of Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Uganda; Y.Y Okot Memorial College in Kitgum, Moyo Teachers with brand new laptops and scholastic mate- S.S, Semuliki High School in Bundibugyo, Karugutu S.S rials to facilitate the teaching and learning process in in Ntoroko, Kyebambe Girls School, Kangole S.S, Mo- partner schools. roto high school, Katakwi high school, Mt of Olives College Kakiri, Mityana Secondary School, Kitante Hill The awards aimed at appreciating teachers for their School, Wanyange Girls’ and Iganga Girls’ Secondary outstanding performance and contribution to the School. body of science knowledge; inspiring and motivating other teachers to contribute towards developing and The award ceremony was officiated by Dr. Betty Nan- promoting science education in schools, and creating yonga, Associate Professor of Bio-Mathematics at school role models that interest girls to do STEM sub- Makerere University and Chairperson of both Uganda jects and later take-up science careers. Women Mathematicians, and Eastern Africa Network of Women in Basic Science who, “Thanked FAWE and In addition, to providing a platform for science teach- Dubai Cares for the initiative. Appreciated the teachers ers to share experiences, interact and learn from each for giving it their best – teaching young people, ensur- other. It’s been proven that each one of us, if given the ing they learn and impact society.” opportunity and support can do sciences. For Instance, FAWE came in, motivated girls and supported schools She further, “Called upon teachers to continue im- simplify the teaching of STEM subjects. The results now plementing what they have learnt from the project demonstrate that girls can too do sciences, following especially practical teaching approaches of group the increase in the number of girls doing sciences and discussions and presentations, debates, experiential improved performance registered.” learning, close interaction, research and reward sys- tems. Government needs to pick learning’s from this To sustain the achievements realized, she called upon intervention and scale-up across the Country.” Government to increase funding and investment to- wards science education across all schools as science One of the Teachers, Mrs. Judith Akumu, of Kitante and innovation greatly contribute towards Secondary School appreciated FAWE Uganda for part- development of the country. For example, shortage of nering with the school to implement the intervention. science teachers and lack of laboratory equipment and She indicated that, “Before the STEM project, during text books in schools needs to be urgently addressed. science practical’s, boys used to mainly engage in prac- tical work while girls took notes, which practice, has Ms. Susan Opok Tumusiime, Executive Director, FAWE changed over time. Uganda said that, “We have awarded 40 science teach- ers, to appreciate their effort and sacrifice in teaching As a result of the intervention, girls no longer fear to and guiding students realize their dreams through sim- do practical work as their confidence has been built, plifying the teaching of science subjects and adaption attitudes changed and they now believe in themselves of practical approaches. Resulting into improved per- and competing/beating boys in performance. They formance and increase in number of girls offering sci- have become creative and had opportunity to develop ence subjects. innovations addressing community needs from the dif- ferent science concepts learnt in class. This occasion has showcased to other teachers that whatever situation or circumstances surrounding The innovations developed have been presented in them, they can still contribute towards making Uganda different forums including national and international a better place especially by nurturing young scientists science competitions hence