Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) Uganda Chapter on Saturday 27th March, 2021 recognized and awarded 40 Science Teachers – teaching biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics with brand new laptops and scholastic materials to facilitate the teaching and learning process in their schools. The awards are aimed at appreciating teachers for their outstanding performance and contribution to the body of science knowledge, inspiring and motivating other teachers to contribute towards developing and promoting science education in schools; creating school role models that interest girls to do STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects and later take-up science career paths. In addition, to providing a platform for science teachers to share experiences, interact and learn from each other.
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 intervention 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 discouraging 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 everything 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 motivated to teach.
Mrs. Martha Muhwezi, CEO FAWE Africa notes that, “Many girls are discouraged from doing sciences because of the misconception that, they are meant for boys, which is wrong. It’s been proven that each one of us, if given the opportunity and support can do sciences. For Instance, FAWE came in, motivated girls and supported schools simplify the teaching of STEM subjects. The results now demonstrate that girls can too do sciences, following the increase in the number of girls doing sciences and improved performance registered.”
To sustain the achievements realized, she called upon Government to increase funding and investment towards science education across all schools as science and innovation greatly contribute towards development of our country. For example, shortage of science teachers and lack of laboratory equipment and text books in schools needs to be urgently addressed.
Ms. Susan Opok Tumusiime, Executive Director, FAWE Uganda said that, “We have awarded 40 science teachers, to appreciate their effort and sacrifice in teaching and guiding students realize their dreams through simplifying the teaching of science subjects and adaption of practical approaches. Resulting into improved performance and increase in number of girls offering science subjects. This occasion has showcased to other teachers that whatever situation or circumstances surrounding them, they can still contribute towards making Uganda a better place especially by nurturing young scientists and innovators who are the future of this great nation.”
The teachers represented 80 schools (40 partner and 40 twin) covering different regions and districts of Uganda; Y.Y Okot Memorial College in Kitgum, Moyo S.S, Semuliki High School in Bundibugyo, Karugutu S.S in Ntoroko, Kyebambe Girls School, Kangole S.S, Moroto high school, Katakwi high school, Mt of Olives College Kakiri, Mityana Secondary School, Kitante Hill School, Wanyange Girls’ and Iganga Girls’ Secondary School.
The award ceremony was officiated by Dr. Betty Nannyoga, Associate Professor of Bio-Mathematics at Makerere University and Chairperson of both Uganda Women Mathematicians, and Eastern Africa Network of Women in Basic Science who, “Thanked FAWE and Dubai Cares for the initiative. Appreciated the teachers for giving it their best – teaching young people, ensuring they learn and impact society.” She further, “Called upon teachers to continue implementing what they have learnt from the project especially practical teaching approaches of group discussions and presentations, debates, experiential learning, close interaction, research and reward systems. Government needs to pick learning’s from this intervention and scale-up across the Country.”
One of the Teachers, Mrs. Judith Akumu, of Kitante Secondary School appreciated FAWE Uganda for partnering with the school to implement the intervention. She indicated that, “Before the STEM project, during science practical’s, boys used to mainly engage in practical work while girls took notes, which practice, has changed over time. As a result of the intervention, girls no longer fear to do practical work as their confidence has been built, attitudes changed and they now believe in themselves and competing/beating boys in performance. They have become creative and had opportunity to develop innovations addressing community needs from the different science concepts learnt in class. The innovations developed have been presented in different forums including national and international science competitions hence exposing girls at higher forums.”
