​The Aga Khan University’s Institute for Educational Development, East Africa (IED, EA), through its Centre for Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning (CELL), celebrated 18 educators who successfully completed a year-long Teacher Professional Development Support Programme. The graduates were primary and secondary school teachers from  Aga Khan Education Services (AKES), Uganda. This transformative initiative, designed to empower educators as leaders of learning, directly contributes to improving children’s learning outcomes across schools in the region.  

The ceremony, held at AKES Primary School in Uganda, brought together over 68 participants,  including Ms Executive Director of Diamond Trust Bank Uganda, AKES staff, and senior leaders from IED, EA. The programme’s success underscores AKU’s commitment to creating a culture of continuous professional growth among educators.

"We cannot overstate the importance of continued professional development," said Professor Jane Rarieya, Dean of IED, EA. "In an ever-evolving world, standing still is not an option. Lifelong learning is not just a slogan; it's a responsibility, a mindset, and a promise we make to our learners and ourselves. By engaging in this program, you have modeled what it means to be a lifelong learner."

The blended learning programme equipped teachiers with innovative strategies to enhance classroom practices and support colleagues in creating learner-focused and engaging environments. Structured around three core modules: Foundations of Effective Teaching; Planning, Pedagogy, and Assessment; and Leading and Supporting Professional Development,  the curriculum provided a holistic approach to teacher growth.  Participants showcased their skills through e-portfolios, demonstrating the impact of collaborative planning, peer teaching, and teaching triads on lesson design and delivery.

Teachers expressed appreciation for the programme’s impact. Samuel Ssembatya, a teacher at Aga Khan High School, highlighted the necessity of professional development, stating, "Everyone needs professional development because new innovations are always coming into the market driven by research and they can directly improve student outcomes. If my teaching improves, so will my students’ results."

Janet Naula, a Social Studies teacher, added, "The programme has empowered us to be reflective teachers and to engage learners in active learning. Active learning is about encouraging learners to think critically."

The programme’s potential for wider impact was a key discussion point. Miss Mbabazi K. Emejeit, Executive Director, DTB Uganda, expressed keen interest in collaborating with IED, EA, to expand the initiative. "Once you develop a teacher, you develop a student who becomes a great leader," she remarked. "I still remember my own teachers! Your role in shaping young lives is vital."

Mr Mahmoud Sayani, also in attendance, stressed the urgency of evolving teaching approaches to cater to the needs of today's learners. "Our world is evolving so quickly that the old ways of teaching no longer work," he explained. "We need to prepare students for a world where change is constant, and knowledge is ever-expanding. We need teachers who can develop learners to take charge of their own learning."

"Today is not just the end of an academic journey!" said Fahreen Esmail, AKES Board Member. "It marks the beginning of a far more impactful mission: the mission of shaping minds, nurturing potential, and transforming lives through education."

IED, EA, through its CELL programme, remains steadfast in its commitment to professionalizing the teaching profession. Through continued collaboration with partners like AKES and DTB, this programme will expand across East Africa and beyond, ensuring more educators are empowered to deliver quality, learner-centered education for generations to come.