One of the bigger revelations of these Ugandan trips is getting to know the methods used in the classrooms to teach students. Bill and Roberto had that experience highlighted on their Friday Morning itinerary. One of the first notable things was that the Ugandan Educational System had adopted a “team teaching” approach. Sound familiar to any one? So instead of rows of students centered on the front of the classroom, most classes were divided up into “teams” of students that would work together to answer the instructor’s questions. Bill and Roberto each spent time in two separate classes to get a feel for how instruction was taking place.
That session was followed by a meeting with the teachers and staff. The Headmaster provided a summary of the school’s progress within the Ugandan Federal Education System. It was great to hear that the Secondary School was so highly regarded locally and nationally. Bill requested some information on the teaching staff so our donors could be kept informed of what was being taught and by whom. The staff is relatively stable, but seem to have a few people leave and come every year. Aloysius and Bill also took the time to reinforce Well Spring’s commitment to the school and teachers. No visit would be complete without a group photo.
The rains came again cutting the team’s visit short to the school. Once on asphalt streets we were able to make some additional visits. The first was to Aloysius’ office in Fort Portal where he kept the school’s copier under lock and key. We counted four locks to get into the office. The printer was also surrounded by a wire cage to keep it safe from mice that seem to enjoy snacking on the internal wiring system.
The team was able to see a part of Uganda not previously visited in other trips. Taking one of the few paved roads out of Fort Portal, but this time not to Buheesi, they moved closer to the Rwenzori Mountains. This particular road would eventually lead to the Congo border with Uganda. But this winding, hilly road would have required a much longer time commitment than the team had. It was sufficient to see some of the incredibly beautiful vistas along the Rwenzori foothills. They also met some local villagers who were happy to receive any loose change the team was willing to part with.
The trip back into town took the team past a Medical School and Hospital that would be visited tomorrow. Also the team is planning a huge adventure on their last full day in country. You will have to wait for the next blog for those details.
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