For years, schools in the Busoga and Rwenzori regions have struggled to access adequate learning materials. Many students and teachers have had to rely on outdated or insufficient resources. For example, 10 students had to share one textbook, making learning difficult.  

To bridge this gap, Enabel in Uganda, through the WeLearn project, provided 18.403 textbooks and 80 desktop computers to 20 schools in the regions. In addition, Enabel provided 800.000 teacher guides and 40 internet access points equipment. These resources will improve the teaching and learning experience for both the students and the teachers.   

The headteacher of Masese Seed School, Hajat Aisha Male Yiga noted that the impact of the support was immediate. With overcrowded classrooms and limited resources, the new textbooks and computers have reduced the strain.

" Our classrooms, which were designed for 50 students, currently accommodate up to 120 learners, but these additional resources will ease the strain on our facilities. The donation of computers will finally allow our O’level students, who have been relying on theory-based ICT lessons, to gain practical skills. Our teachers are also now better equipped to deliver lessons effectively, thanks to the availability of more textbooks and the training through Enabel they have received in digital abilities." 

The new textbooks will improve syllabus coverage and foster better group work among students. “Previously, each textbook was shared by about 10 students, limiting their ability to fully engage with the material.” said Denis Waiguta, the Director of studies at Masese Seed School. Furthermore, the students now have access to updated and relevant content, enabling them to better understand key concepts and improve their academic performance.  

At  Karangura Seed Secondary School in Kabarole district, where IT lessons were previously constrained by limited laptops, the new resources have improved learning conditions. Head teacher, Mr. Joseph Rwakibeede, described the support as a much-needed relief noting that the textbook sharing ratio had improved from 1:8 to 1:2. " I can now read and concentrate without anyone having to interrupt me for the books. "  says Zainah Nanyanzi, a Senior three student at Karangura Seed Secondary School who wants to become a military doctor. 

The WeLearn project is part of Enabel’s broader mission to support Uganda’s education sector. Joeri Leysen, the project manager at Enabel, says “This is part of our commitment to ensuring that every child has access to quality education and the abilities they need to succeed in the 21st century." 

Mr. Denis Waiguta  calls this “a game-changer.” He adds, “Now, our students can finally learn ICT practically, not just in theory.”