Teacher Ronald Atwijukire's Experience
Atwijukire is a teacher at Bugongi Central
Primary School, Sheema District
Learning science has not always been easy for many learners in Uganda, especially in rural schools. When I was a learner, science was one of the hardest subjects to understand. We had to memorize facts, study outdated textbooks, and rarely got the chance to perform experiments. But today, thanks to River Flow International (RIFI), science education in Uganda is changing for the better.
A rough past
I was taught to memorize facts and definitions instead of understanding how science works in real life. For example, I memorized the parts of a plant without seeing one under a microscope or understanding how plants grow. There were no proper textbooks or laboratory equipment in our school. Science was just about listening to the teacher talk, with no experiments to show us how things work.
The teachers in my time were the main source of knowledge. They gave lectures, and we were expected to listen quietly. I was not encouraged to ask questions or explore topics on my own.
Our exams focused on how well I could remember things rather than how well I understood them. This made learning science feel like a chore instead of an exciting opportunity to discover new things.
River Flow International has introduced several initiatives to make science learning easier, more practical, and enjoyable for Ugandan learners.
For example, RIFI’s models help learners to think critically and solve problems. Instead of just memorizing the electric circuit, learners now discuss how it produces light in their communities and how they can use available resources to make an electric circuit.
Through the use of science kits and active learning strategies, learners can now perform experiments. These include simple activities like mixing substances to learn about chemical reactions or using magnets to understand how they work.
RIFI trains teachers to become facilitators. Instead of just giving lectures, teachers now encourage learners to ask questions, work together, and discover solutions. This has made science classes more interactive and engaging. Assessments now go beyond exams. Learners are given tasks like preparing presentations, conducting experiments, and writing reflections based on their experiments, helping them apply what they’ve learned to real-world scenarios.
Impact
RIFI’s science kits are a game-changer for schools, especially those in rural areas. The kits include materials and models that help learners see concepts in action. For example, learners can now understand how the eye works and its different parts using a 3D eye model, making abstract ideas more understandable. In addition, learners can perform hands-on experiments, such as testing soil to learn about farming or building circuits to understand electricity. These kits provide practical activities that capture learners’ attention and make science lessons fun. They also promote teamwork as learners work together during experiments, developing collaboration and communication skills.
Through these efforts, I believe RIFI is helping learners gain the skills they need to succeed in science-related fields like medicine, engineering, and environmental science. By teaching learners to think critically and solve real-world problems, RIFI is shaping a generation of innovators and problem-solvers.
The Future
River Flow International is transforming science education in Uganda, making it accessible and exciting for all learners. With better resources, modern teaching methods, and hands-on learning opportunities, students can now dream of a brighter future powered by science.
As a teacher, I have seen how these changes inspire my learners to love science. I believe that with continued support, we can ensure that every child in Uganda has the chance to learn, understand, and succeed in science.
