Transforming Education in Uganda

Robin McDonough

September 17, 2024

The Global Peace Foundation (GPF) values the enthusiasm, engagement, and determination of young people worldwide in their quest to become moral and innovative leaders. Educating our youth in the principles, values, and skills that will allow them to grow into responsible members of the community and act as change agents and peacebuilders to expand socio-economic development and increase social cohesion is at the forefront of GPF Uganda’s education activities.

Three people are in a radio studio in Uganda, engaging in conversation. The desk is filled with equipment including microphones, a mixing console, and a camera. Two computer monitors and newspapers are also present as they discuss transforming education.

GPF Uganda participates in a weekly radio program to discuss education initiatives in the country.

Utilizing the “whole of society approach to education and community peacebuilding,” the GPF Uganda education team has been active throughout the last several months as representatives met with various entities to enlist their support for the upcoming transforming education series in September 2024. The team engaged with the Ministry of Education and Sports Permanent Secretary, the Director of Basic and Secondary Education, district education officers, education directors of districts and regions, and the Interreligious Council of Uganda. Two radio seminars were also held to communicate the value of a holistic approach to youth development through GPF’s Character and Creativity Initiative.

On May 16, in support of GPF Uganda’s transforming education program, First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Janet Museveni endorsed the participation of schools and tertiary institutions in the Inter-Religious Family Festival on June 29 at Kololo Independence Grounds. Her sponsorship led to over 14,000 students being invited to attend the family, faith, and freedom-focused event centered on GPF’s vision of One Family under God for an African Renaissance.

GPF recognizes that everyone has a vital role in educating young people on their journey to develop a culture of living for the greater good of society. As such, along with teachers and parents, GPF Uganda involves diverse community, inter-faith, education, business, government, military, and other leaders to support youth in their effort to grow, dream big, and make a positive impact.

A group of people, some in traditional clothing, stand outdoors in a line, reaching their hands towards the center in a unity or celebratory gesture. The scene reflects the transformative spirit of community and education in Uganda, with lush trees visible in the background.

Representatives from GPF Uganda and the Ministry of Education and Sports host awards ceremony for the best demonstration schools in the central Buganda region.

An improved education culture based on universal principles and values has exponential benefits for individuals, families, communities, and society at large. For instance, most GPF demonstration schools have seen a reduction in identity-based and other conflicts, including bullying and violent extremism. In addition, peace clubs have been established to ensure student participation in ongoing school management-sponsored activities.

Several leaders have testified to the significant value of GPF Uganda’s transforming education program. In addition to First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Janet Museveni’s support, the State Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Kaducu, and the Interreligious Council of Uganda Education directors have also fully sanctioned GPF’s education model. Their involvement, along with other high-profile Ugandan leaders, has created goodwill and trust among students, teachers, and education managers increasing their willingness to implement the proposed education program and related activities.

To ensure the sustainability of its transforming education program, GPF Uganda has developed a comprehensive 2023/2024 Education Work Plan that encompasses multiple objectives, activities, and inputs while measuring outputs, outcomes, and impacts. Objectives include preparing students for the 21st-century job market, developing moral and innovative leadership among administrators and students, supporting school peace clubs comprised of a diverse student body, and multiple activities to jointly close education gaps towards achieving SDG4/Uganda’s Third National Development Plan.

Continued success depends on the ongoing engagement of students, educators, and multi-level leaders across many diverse entities to embrace the universal principles and values essential to creating and sustaining peaceful coexistence. As our future moral and innovative leaders, today’s young people are our conduit to a brighter future if we provide them with a transformative education to attain their full potential as change agents and peacebuilders.

Learn more about Transforming Education in the Global South: Toward 2050