The Aga Khan University’s Institute for Educational Development, East Africa (IED, EA) has officially concluded its Foundations for Learning (F4L) project by awarding certificates to 78 tutors during a closing ceremony at Arua Core Primary Teachers College (PTC) in Uganda.
The certified tutors, drawn from Arua and Lodonga core PTCs, played a key role in implementing the F4L project, which focused on enhancing teaching quality in early childhood and primary education. The event was graced by Mr John Pakony Ochira, Assistant Commissioner for Higher Education at Uganda’s Ministry of Education and Sports; Vice Chancellor of Uganda National Institute for Teaching Education (UNITE), Professor Betty Ezati; Arua city and district education officials; and other education stakeholders from across the region.
Over the course of the project, the tutors completed eight comprehensive modules covering critical areas such as: pedagogical practices; gender and diversity inclusion; ICT integration; mentorship; makerspace development; and enhanced school practicum. These modules were aligned with the F4L mission to strengthen educational systems and promote gender equality across East Africa.
"The quality of teaching and learning remains our greatest challenge and opportunity. Therefore, your role as college tutors is pivotal in ensuring that every learner across Uganda has access to competent, caring, and confident teachers,” said Professor Jane Rarieya, Dean of IED, EA. “Education doesn't change the world; education changes people, and the people change the world. You have the responsibility of producing the people who are supposed to be the world changers. You are not just teaching teachers, but you are shaping the very soul of our education system in Uganda. The student teachers you produce today will stand in front of classes in all parts of the country, and your influence will echo through the lives of countless children across every corner of Uganda."
During the ceremony, Lodonga PTC tutors showcased their achievements through e-portfolios and innovative, low-cost, gender-responsive teaching materials (Makerspace) as evidence of their growth and commitment to 21st-century skills and inclusive education.
"With the support of AKU, we are confident in the quality of student teachers we prepare. We expect them to go out and make a difference," affirmed Reverend Father Hilary Orwinya Kago, Principal of St John Bosco PTC Lodonga.
The three-year F4L project which began in 2022, used a cascading training model to ensure learners were the ultimate beneficiaries. By embedding mentorship and partnering with teacher training colleges, the project built sustainable capacity. As it concludes, these colleges will continue as hubs for professional development, with IED, EA committed to supporting Uganda’s education system through ongoing collaboration.
