Herman Makanga from Education Ministry leads the training of educators in Isingiro
In a strong move toward making schools safer and more nurturing, educators and key community stakeholders in Isingiro District recently completed a transformative three-day training focused on preventing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Violence Against Children (VAC).
This critical initiative falls under the Safety and Protection component of the Uganda Secondary Education Expansion Project (USEEP).
The workshop was facilitated by Science Teaching and Innovations Africa (STIA) in partnership with Luigi Giussani Foundation (LGF) and Ministry of Education and Sports. STIA is implementing USEEP in 22 schools across Isingiro District, including three located within refugee settlements.
Educators and district leaders attending the training in Isingiro
Selected in 2024 by the Ministry of Education and Sports, STIA in partnership with LGF were entrusted to implement USEEP across two major project areas: Lot 1 (39 districts and 68 schools) and Lot 2 (26 districts and 64 schools). Funded by the World Bank, USEEP aims to expand access to quality lower secondary education by improving infrastructure and strengthening the safety, inclusiveness, and quality of the learning environment.
With a strong focus on working with vulnerable populations — including girls, refugee children, and learners from underserved areas — STIA’s commitment to promoting safe learning environments is both a mission and a responsibility.
A collective effort for Child Protection
The Isingiro training brought together a diverse group of participants: district education officers, headteachers, senior men and women teachers, school board members, community development officers, probation officers, and representatives from the Uganda Police’s Child and Family Protection Unit. Officials from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) managing Nakivale and Oruchinga refugee settlements also joined the sessions.
Trainees participate in training
Agatha Natukunda, the Senior District Education Officer, welcomed the initiative warmly, calling it “timely and vital.” She encouraged participants to fully embrace their new knowledge and become champions of safety in their schools.
“Our schools must become safe havens for every learner. This training is a call to action for all of us,” Natukunda said.
Agatha Natukunda – Senior education officer & officer in charge of guidance and counselling at the district – Isingiro
Equipping Educators with practical tools
Throughout the three days, sessions covered critical topics such as:
Child safeguarding laws and reporting procedures
Positive discipline methods
How to establish school clubs supporting leadership and emotional well-being
Strategies for stakeholder and community engagement
Basics of comprehensive sexuality education
One of the core highlights was the emphasis on the Children Act, 2016 — particularly Section 25, which strictly prohibits corporal punishment in schools. Violators face up to three years in prison, a UGX 2 million fine, or both. Facilitators underscored the importance of non-violent forms of discipline, such as counseling and mentorship.
“I have learned how to guide stubborn adolescents through positive discipline,” shared Herbert Tuhirirwe, Senior Man Teacher at Kikagate Seed Secondary School. “We can no longer justify physical punishment. It causes pain and long-term harm.”
Senior men and women teachers were urged to become approachable and trusted figures for their students.
“It is our role to listen and help find solutions to the challenges learners face,” emphasized Sophie Napito, a Police Constable attached to the Child and Family Protection Unit in Isingiro.
Napio Sophia, Isingiro Central Police Station (Child and Family Protection Department)
Turning knowledge into action
By the end of the training, participants had not only gained a deeper understanding of the legal frameworks and psychosocial elements of child protection but had also developed actionable plans tailored to their respective schools. These plans aim to create immediate and sustainable changes in tackling VAC and GBV.
This training marks a significant step forward in creating school environments in Isingiro — and beyond — where every child can feel safe, protected, and supported in their learning journey.
Training stories featured in bulletins of different media houses
