For the last two weeks, Programmes Officers from Science Teaching and Innovations Africa (STIA) have been actively visiting schools across Uganda to distribute Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials. This important exercise is part of the ongoing implementation of the Uganda Secondary Education Expansion Project (USEEP).
The activity is targeting selected schools — out of 116 in 64 districts — that are benefiting from USEEP, a Ministry of Education and Sports initiative funded by the World Bank.
Supporting child safety and well-being
The IEC materials being distributed include flyers and posters carrying messages designed to help students, teachers, and surrounding communities promote and protect the safety and well-being of children both in and outside school.
Key topics covered in these materials include:
- Children’s rights and responsibilities
- HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention
- Dangers of drug and alcohol abuse
- Menstrual hygiene and challenges of puberty
- Life skills and mental health
- Gender in education policies, among others
Additional resources distributed include small readers for students, books with guidelines for senior women and senior men teachers, materials on forming school clubs, and resources for reporting, tracking, and referring cases within schools and communities. All materials will be placed in each school’s Information Hub, where students and teachers can freely access information when needed.
Where we have been
So far, STIA Programmes Officers have reached schools across multiple regions including:
Central Region: Kololo High School, Nateete Muslim High School, Kansanga Seed Secondary School, Kampala High School, Upper Prison Inmates SS Luzira, St. Denis Sebugwawo SS, St Mark Seed Secondary School, Kasoga, among others.
Western Uganda: Bukanga SS, Endinzi Secondary School, Kabula Muslim SS, Kikagate SS, Kiyenje SS, Nakivale SS, Rubondo Community SS, Rwamurunga Community SS, Kamuganguzi Janan Luwum Memorial SS in Kabale District, and St. Benedict SS Rutunguru in Ntungamo District.
Northern and Eastern Uganda: Arwotcek Seed SS (Amolatar), St. Andrews Seed SS (Soroti), Adok Seed SS (Dokolo), Bulegeni Seed School (Bulambuli), Ngenge Seed School (Kween), Zibondo SS, Agoro Seed SS (Lamwo), and many more.
The exercise continues as more schools are visited.
Collaboration for safer schools
The USEEP project has multiple components, including construction of learning facilities, ICT integration, and ensuring the safety of children in schools. STIA, in partnership with the Luigi Giussani Foundation (LGF), is implementing Sub-Component 2.1, which specifically focuses on promoting safety in schools and communities. Teachers, school leaders, and students have expressed their gratitude for the materials received, highlighting how these resources will help foster safer learning environments.
Building awareness, one school at a time
STIA remains committed to empowering schools with relevant information that enhances child protection, gender equity, and life skills education.
As the exercise continues, more schools will be equipped with IEC materials that will help create informed, resilient, and safer communities for Uganda’s learners.