Picture a classroom where curiosity thrives, and every student's potential is tapped and fulfilled. This vision is becoming reality across Uganda, in the districts of Kasese, Kabarole, Kyegegwa to Busoga region, in the districts of Jinja & Kamuli, and West Nile in the district of Yumbe, Madi Okollo, Adjumani. The WeLearn-WeTeach project is sparking an educational revolution, enhancing capacity of over 1000 teachers who are inspiring young minds by adopting innovative techniques, and not just teach—but create pathways to a world of opportunities, ensuring that every adolescent, regardless of background, has an equal chance to education.

Recognizing that well-trained teachers are essential for effective learning, Enabel conducted an assessment to identify areas where teachers needed support. The results highlighted a clear need for teachers to better understand and implement the competence-based curriculum, which focuses on practical learning and student engagement. 

To address these needs, Enabel launched a series of training sessions designed to support teachers develop their skills. These sessions focused on active teaching methods that encouraged practical learning. For instance, teachers learnt how to use project-based and problem-based learning techniques, as well as collaborative methods like brainstorming and group work. They were also being encouraged to continue using various resources, such as maps, charts, and multimedia tools, to make their lessons more engaging. 

For many teachers, this training has been a game-changer. Mr. Isaac Waiswa, a teacher at Balawoli Senior Secondary School, Kamuli district notes, 

“Before the trainings, I was a traditional teacher. I thought I was the master of knowledge and would walk to class and just talk to students and go away. But now with the trainings I have received, I am able to incorporate videos in my teachings and different Microsoft tools. The class sessions are now more interactive”  

Additionally, the initiative promotes the continuous professional development of teachers through self-paced online courses. In General Teaching Methods (GTM), 32 teachers have completed the course under WeLearn, while 31 teachers have participated in Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL). 

Furthermore, 232 teachers have been trained in Competence Based Assessment (CBA) under WeLearn. For Competence Based Curriculum (CBC) and Active Teaching and Learning (ATL), a total of 602 teachers have been trained under WeLearn, with 644 teachers participating in CBC training under WeTeach.  Judith Achiro Kibwota, a teacher at St Mary’s College Madi-ope, Lamwo district reiterated that the classes are now livelier.  

“Before I could only go to class and teach and was worried about adapting to the new changes. I enrolled for the online courses, and I have been able facilitate students through videos and this brings students together to engage more during the lessons” 

Scheldeman Mitte, the Intervention Officer for Materials Development and Innovation at Enabel noted that the trainings seek to help teachers understand the competence-based curriculum better and clarify challenging concepts related to project work and assessments.  

“Coping with the new curriculum was difficult for me. But when Enabel started training us and brought in the online courses, I have been able to use videos for teaching my students. The class is now very interactive and engaging. Students attitude is gradually changing and their interest in learning has also gone higher” concludes Mr. Ariaka Sam, teacher from Odravu senior secondary school, Yumbe district.