For over a decade, Harriet shaped young minds as a secondary school teacher in Uganda, teaching English, Literature, Lugbarati (area language) and Chinese. Yet, a deeper calling for professional and personal renewal led her to a decisive new chapter: pursuing her Master of Education at the Aga Khan University’s Institute for Educational Development, East Africa (IED, EA) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
“I was looking for focus, freedom, and the courage to grow,” Harriet explains. “I wanted to avoid distractions and dedicate time to learning, reflection, and quality work.” On a personal level, it was also a historic choice: to become the first daughter among her ten siblings to attain a master’s degree, rewriting her family’s story and breaking generational barriers.
While initially admitted to the Secondary Education specialization, Harriet soon discovered a new passion that reshaped her academic path. “I began to question not just how children learn, but when learning begins,” she recalls. This question inspired her to shift her specialization to Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) - a choice that redefined her purpose as an educator.
Her transformative journey officially kicked off during orientation in September 2024. AKU’s blended learning model, which combines face-to-face and digital instruction, expanded her skills and confidence. Courses such as Logical Reasoning and Critical Thinking, Digital Literacy, and Educational Leadership and Management sharpened her perspective on teaching and leadership.
Perhaps her biggest surprise was the profound shift in her relationship with technology. The Digital Literacy course helped her conquer her initial fear, leading to rapid growth. “My biggest surprise was realizing how much I could adapt,” she reflects. “From a cautious user of technology, I became a trainer, mentor, and advocate for digital learning.”
Her growing expertise led to a major milestone: winning a fully funded ticket to attend the Africa ELTA 9th International Conference. She describes this moment as “the moment I felt my dreams take off” - it was her first time flying, a powerful symbol of her professional ascent.
Harriet immediately put her learning into practice. During her practicum at Chang’ombe Demonstration Preschool, she championed active and inclusive learning methods. Back in Uganda, she founded a Professional Learning Community on WhatsApp for English teachers in Arua District, where they now share resources, reflect on experiences, and conduct virtual workshops. “Leadership begins with sharing what you know,” she says.
Beyond academics, Harriet immersed herself in community initiatives. From tree planting at Sam Nujoma and Aga Khan Hospital to storytelling with Transforming Tribes’ Tales and outreach at UMRA Orphanage. Each experience reinforced her belief that education goes beyond school walls – it's about building character, compassion, and contributing to the community. Reflecting on her time at AKU, Harriet emphasizes,“Education doesn’t just change what you know; it changes who you become.”
As she approaches the completion of her Master of Education in June 2026, Harriet stands as a reflective, responsive, and resilient educator - ready to bring her skills and passion to shape early learning in Uganda and beyond.
