Uganda's Educational System
Uganda's education system is very different when compared to the U.S. As we have discovered, based on our visits and MUBS student's personal experiences, culture plays a huge role and it has made an impact on each school. There's also a great emphasize on providing an inclusive learning environment for all students regardless of educational needs of each student. Two examples of that inclusion was seen as we visited the Luzira Prison and Sure Prospects. In Luzira, we were able to see that many of the prisoners had the opportunity to earn a degree from Makerere University, while serving their time regardless of their convictions or accusations. In Sure Prospects, students with learning needs are supported not only by their teachers, but also by their peers whom have the opportunity to learn sign language along with their deaf peers. Although, the ratio of teachers to students is higher than what's usually seen in the states, I was highly amazed of how well they're able to support each student's needs and the passion teachers have for their students.
1. Knowing that Uganda has a highly inclusive education system, what skills, resources or approaches, might you consider important to implement for Ugandans to obtain quality education, as a goal for sustainable development for all students?
2. Although, the U.S. is a well-developed country, we also know that there's always room for progression. Based on what we have learned and seen throughout our trip and from your own educational experiences, what skills or approaches would you suggest be helpful for improvement in our country or what skills or knowledge are we lacking as American students?
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I feel that it is important that Ugandan schools implement more co-ed group work, leadership skills, and public speaking. These soft skills will help further the advancement of Ugandan education. Regarding the U.S. I feel we need to emphasize the learning of a second language.
ReplyDeleteOne thing the united states could learn from Uganda's Educational system is how to use your peers as resources. Like you said in your paragraph, the peers each other out, that kind of culture creates a positive learning environment and one that allows for all students to learn, no matter of the challenges they may face.
ReplyDeleteEmma:
ReplyDeleteI believe that by adding in counselors and nurses to all schools in Uganda, the students would have more of their critical needs met, more than just their education. Another SDG is Good Health, so if the students are able to get educated and taken care of in one place, that will make it much more efficient.
In response to the two questions that you proposed, I believe that Ugandan schools would benefit greatly from of course, technology, but more importantly, the inclusion of international cultures and ideas in their education. Ugandan culture is relatively similar within the country so when learning, there isn't much variation from it. But in creating well-rounded students, I believe adding in other methods of teaching (besides lecturing) would be extremely beneficial. In America, the education system revolves around the idea that the richer neighborhoods get the better schools, which the more prominent kids being sent therefore to the best schools from the time they begin education, leading to attending better universities. In addition, in dealing with students with disabilities, it is commonplace to separate those students from those who are able minded, believing it is better for both groups. In actuality, America should incorporate the diversity and keep all of the students together, providing a valuable learning experience.
ReplyDeleteOne of the things I believe both Uganda and the US could improve upon is the emphasis on applicable knowledge. Soft skills such as public speaking, cooperation, and critical problem solving are important, but students should also be aware of their career options. Schools could tie in applicable knowledge to core topics, for example, exposure to history from other cultures could provide better techniques when farming and marketing. If they are more aware of a lack of sustainability in what they do, they may be better equipped to resolve the issue in a way that's does not impede on their cultural background.
ReplyDeleteSomething that should be improved in both countries is appreciation of teachers. Appreciating teachers more would improve on the quality of education because teachers would not go on strike and would be more motivated in general. With more appreciation and higher pay, there would probably be an increase in the number of teachers possibly making class sizes smaller and giving each kid more of the attention they need. I also believe that just as Sure Prospects is doing, it is important to try and integrate students with disabilities more and make it so that they are not as isolated in society.
ReplyDeleteI think by the end of 2030 Uganda will be in drive to maturity stage of development
ReplyDeleteGreat post !! Thanks for sharing valuable content.
ReplyDeleteClick here to know more UN sustainable development goals.