CFSU MEETS HEAD TEACHERS, PTA AND BOG TO RAISE AWARENESS AND SUPPORT ICT ENHANCED LEARNING (17th June 2013)

To ensure a smooth and successful implementation of the projects, head teachers, PTA and BOG members had to be brought on board with the project. It is on this note therefore that Computers for Schools organized a meeting inviting all head teachers, PTA and BOG members of all project schools in Kabarole district. The meeting took place at Kaalya courts on 17^th June 2013.

The purpose of this meeting was to ensure that the heads of schools, PTA and BOG allowed the C4C project activities to be implemented within their institutions. Further on, administrative support is needed to ensure sustainability of the project even after the project life has ended. As a ripple effect of the project, administrators had to be fully aware of the project activities within the school so that it does not only benefit the English department but also other departments. Issues that were discussed in the meeting included the following among others;

• The project brief, activities involved and responsibilities of the stake holders especially school administration
• Discussion of achievements in the schools so far and challenges faced

                

                                  The ICT project officer discussing the brief

The heads of schools discussed the achievements and challenges that they have been facing since the project inception to date. The heads of schools each discussed what was happening within their respective schools with regards to the project. After looking at the achievements, challenges faced were also brought up and solutions to mitigate the challenges were pointed out and below are some of the issues that were discussed;

Achievements

• The set up of the English language resource room; Canon Apolo core PTC, Ruteete secondary school and St. Leos and Kyebambe have set up English labs with resources like the laptop, projector and the speakers. Now with the two desk tops and flash disks that CfSU has added to the department, these institutions have worked on these resource rooms making them more student friendly and as safe as possible. The teaching and learning process can now comfortably take place in these rooms.
• Development of more interesting and fascinating lessons using Power point and Photo story; the head teachers of these schools were proud to mention that the teachers are developing more interesting lessons as testified by their students. Learners are more eager
• Computers in the resource room; with the availability of these computers in the English resource room, teachers are now able to develop their lessons and type exams freely in their free time without competing with students which was the case previously. It has even helped them practice more, getting a grip on computer usage thus erasing the computer phobia of students being better than them. The learners have also adopted a research culture where they can accomplish projects on their own   

                                                              Mr. Otigo Evans explaining the benefits and challenges they face 

The representative from the DEO’s office of Kabarole district Mrs. Harriet Angwena finally urged administrators and PTA members to fully embrace the program and give the much needed support to the teachers and implementing organizations. She also pledged to be supportive at the district level by offering the necessary support like inspecting and lobbying at the ministry.

                  Administrative members listening to the DEO

SCHOOLS RECEIVE POSTERS ADVOCATING FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING AND LEARNING IN KABAROLE FROM 5TH-7TH JUNE 2013

Fifteen posters advocating for English language /teaching/learning were made and distributed to 15 schools in Kabarole

The poster has three logos ICCO representing our partners, computers for schools and RWECO as implementers of EPP programs in the Rwenzori region and a message on improving literacy and numeracy levels through mastery of English Language.

Deputy Head teacher Haibale primary school receives a poster advocating for English language mastery from CFSU 

Excited teachers of Kigarama Primary school receive the poster advocating for English Language proficiency 

The presence of the posters in the compound act as a multi-purpose:

1.   Pupils get incidental reading
2.  The message written on the poster acts as a reminder whenever it is read.
3.  The poster serve as a visibility for the community to get to know of the presence of the NGO and its objectives

PARENTS TEACHERS ASSOCIATIONS AND SCHOOL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES CONTINUE GETTING IN HOUSE WORKSHOPS ON THEIR ROLES IN SCHOOLS

Following the 2012 PTA and SMC^S TRAINING WORK SHOPS COMPUTERS for schools has continued following and monitoring the activities of these management institutions by participating in their meetings in schools.

These institutions are the real back bone of schools, when they are weak literacy and numeracy levels lower and vice versa.

In order for PPE to attain intended goals it is imperative that these institutions be encouraged and supported.

The heads of schools have embraced this program because they feel their work load has been shared and made easier.

Kibiito PTA and SMC^S having a tea break in one of the meetings in march 11^th 2013.

Many times for example a school would not have enough funds to cater for a meeting of 21 members of PTA but since EPP joined their schools this problem has been somehow solved.

The presence of these institutions in schools mean greater planning, greater communication leading to literacy and numeracy levels automatically rising thus building a steady education pyramid for the young generation.

Computers for schools therefore deems it right to keep supporting these institutions for without them all it’s endeavors of promoting a well-balanced rich meaningful education system will come to no avail.

SCHOOLS IN KABAROLE DISTRICT RECEIVE ICT EQUIPMENT

Following the training of teachers and tutors of English in innovative ICT enabled methods; Computers for Schools Uganda organized a meeting to officially hand over ICT equipment to the institutions whose teachers/tutors had been trained. The institutions that received computers were Canon Apolo Core PTC, Ruteete secondary school, Kyebambe girls’ school and St. Leos College Kyegobe. CfSU also contributed one computer for the DEO’s office for inspection purposes. The ICT equipment that was received included;

• Laptop
• Projector
• Projector stand
• Generator
• Speakers
• Desk tops

             Some of the equipment ready for hand over to the schools

The hand over occasion took place at Kaalya courts in Kabarole district on 24^th June 2013. Heads of schools attended to receive the equipment and the DEO as a representative from the local government was present to hand over the equipment.

                               Mrs. Harriet Angwena(DEO) as she welcomed members

The ICT officer in charge of the project Nekesa Stella gave a brief about the project and reminded the schools heads about their responsibilities as project stake holders. She further on noted that teachers and learners still needed support from the school administration in order to make the project implementation more successful.   The executive director RIC-NET John Silco made a presentation on the SMS and HUDUMA platforms and also urged administration to take advantage of these platforms to connect with the rest of the of the stake holders like the parents and the local government.

                          Mr.Otigo extending a token of thanks to CfSU

On behalf of all head teachers, Mr. Otigo Evans, the head teacher of St. Leos College Kyegobe thanked CfSU staff for their tremendous efforts in contributing towards the improvement of the quality of education through ICT enabled innovative methods.  He talked about the trainings, the onsite support and the ICT equipment and he pointed out how it has added value to the teaching and learning of English language within the different schools.

The executive director of RICNET invited the DEO to receive the computer on behalf of the DEO’s office and then later on hand over the rest of the equipment to the heads of schools. 

                     The DEO representative Kabarole district handing over the equipment

The principal of Canon Apollo PTC checking out the equipment given to the institute

As the final activity, head teachers signed the Memorandums of Understanding as a way to ensure that the equipment will be kept in a safe and friendly environment. This was also done for the schools to handle and use the equipment with care. To have a feel of ownership of ownership of the equipment and ensure sustainability, CfSU ensured that the school heads read and understood the terms and conditions of the M.O.U before they discussed and signed it. 

TEACHERS AND TUTORS DEVELOP MORE NON CONVETIONAL INNOVATIVE METHODS OF TEACHING HELD ON 4TH -22ND FEBRUARY 2013

In house workshops are reminders to awaken the might have forgotten minds. In a way they re-kindle issues.

The 2013 theme of the workshops rotate on teaching sounds. This came up during the 2012 workshops where it was discovered that among the four language skills i.e. listening, speaking, reading, and writing,  reading is the worst done reason being that the method of a whole word approach( instead of letters / sound) does more harm than good to learners.

It is believed that reading and articulating becomes so easy when one starts with sounds/letters. In the light of this, computers for schools has decided to put emphasis on sounds/letters not of course forgetting the other three skills.

CCT Jacinta Kabagenyi a champion in phonology field handled the first batch of the in house workshops in most schools. With her were the retired teacher Bwango Pius, Mr.Kajura Nelson, Robina Nyakana and the program officer for the project. 

The subject matter for the in house workshops has been mainly on the introduction of sounds and the importance of using them to teach reading.

So far most of the fifteen schools have been reached and 75 teachers have been targeted. In house trainings will continue throughout the year. After this phase, other resourceful persons will follow with detailed material on phonology.

Both the Heads of schools and teachers were more than happy to see the problem of reading beginning to get solved. 

MEMBERS POSE FOR AGROUP PHOTO AFTER AN IN HOUSE WORKSHOP

KASIISI PRIMARY SCHOOL

BUNDIBUGYO COMMEMORATES THE DAY OF THE AFRICAN CHILD

Going by the common agreement of rotating the celebration of the day of the African child, this time round the event was held at Bundibugyo Boma ground on Sunday 16^th June 2013.

The day of the African child was established by the African union (AU) IN 1991. It is recognized globally in memory of the brutal massacre of black children who courageously marched on 16^th June 1976 in Soweto Township protesting against the substandard way they were being taught, their demand was that they be taught in their language.

The theme this year was Eliminating harmful social and cultural practices affecting children: our collective responsibility.

The day drew children from in and around the Rwenzori region. Kabarole, kasese and Bundibugyo represented the regional participation. About 1100children are believed to have participated.

Among the activities carried out that day were essay writing competition, a procession through Bundibugyo town, music dance and drama and poem reciting

  .

Computers for schools Uganda and RWECO participated in essay marking, contributed towards a general grand lunch for the children and their teachers and participated in music and poem reciting.

Also one pupil with special needs from Rukoki model showcased his talent on a sowing machine





Bwambale Andrew with no full hands on a sowing machine

In her speech, Madam Barbra the country director save the children (guest of honour) thanked her staff for all the good work done in the Rwenzori region. She also elaborated on the day of the African child and its importance to the children of Africa today. She finally awarded prizes to those who had excelled in the essay competition.

The commemoration came to an end with the serving of a grand communal lunch.

   

THE BI ANNUAL TEACHERS REVIEW HELD ON 12TH JUNE 2013

The BI annual teachers review is meant to be a mid-year evaluation exercise. It is meant to assess the teachers as well as the implementers of the project. Besides that, it is also meant to be a time for reflection and correction.

The 2013 bi annual teachers review was organized in style. The day kicked off with the D.E.O’s inspection of CFSU office and all roads then led to Rwimi primary    school and later in the afternoon they took a turn to Bwanika primary school.

D.E.O at CFSU  Office    

The event drew 15 head teachers from the project schools, the inspector of schools in charge of Bunyangabu County, the inspector of schools in charge of Burahya County, the D.I.S the D.E.O in charge of the disabled ,CCTs_S the District Education officer Kabarole district and the PTAs plus the SCMs representatives. In total there were 28 participants. The master of ceremony was Mr. Blaise Kankya the Coordinator EPP schools Kabarole.                                                                         Visitors arrive at Rwimi p/s

Computers for schools selected two schools to visit, the criteria was one semi-rural school and one real rural school just for comparatives sake.

visitors arrive at Bwanika p/s

Rwimi primary school has about a1, 300 pupils and16 teachers while Bwanika’s Population ranges between 600-650 pupils and 13 teachers. Both schools have 6 EPP trained teachers that have developed lots of instructional materials.  In terms of performance, Rwimi beats Bwanika by far. Infrastructure ways, the two schools are no match at all.

Bwanika Pupils in class                                                          Rwimi Pupils in class

Rwimi is also a special school in that it has all tribes of Uganda making it very unsuitable for the thematic curriculum to take root smoothly.

EPP program has given it special attention because of its unique nature in that it could be a model school that promotes English speaking since there is need of a common language.

Bringing these two schools and all the education policy implementers was a very brilliant idea for who knows out of such a visit help would be availed.

Some of the visiting crew was indeed shocked to know that a school like Bwanika with such infrastructure still existed in Uganda

A lot was done during this bi review annual exchange visit. EPP trained teachers showcased different best practices in the class room environment.

Teachers in Rwimi demonstrated to the visiting groups various ways of finding and making instructional materials especially from local materials.

A teacher in Rwimi demonstrated to the group how he made a pot made by his handwork class an instruction material for teaching the listening skill.

In Bwanika a demonstration was also carried out where teachers demonstrated using natural materials like banana fibers and a mat to teach a library class.

 Most head teachers said it was such an honor to meet the EPP family plus the education officers team in a relaxed and jolly manner.

One Kiboota primary school headmaster Mr. Katuramu made the congregation laugh when he seriously commented that his pupils started putting on shoes with the coming of EPP in his school.

In his speeches in both schools, the D.E.O thanked Computers for schools for the work well done and encouraged the heads of schools to make such visits a habit even when the EPP program gets over. He also thanked the teachers for being so keen and committed. The D.E.O also used this opportunity to issue certificates to members who had completed the non- conventional innovative methods of English language teaching and learning training.

The children entertained visitors with traditional dance and drama recited poems and dialogued

The bi annual review came with lots of ripple effects:

•   Head teachers of schools got to know one another shared and borrowed ideas that might  in future be useful to their schools.
•         The D.E.O and his crew got to know exactly what EPP is all about.
•          Inspectors got a chance to visit their schools.
•         The pupils displayed their talents.

  Members pose for the photo after the session

The day that had started at 7:30 with the visit to CFSU office ended at 5:00pm in Bwanika primary school.