Project Database

EFAIDS Programme

Country:	Uganda
Start Date:	2006-01-01
Deadline:	2010-12-31
Host organisations:	Uganda National Teachers Union (UNATU) National Union of Education Institutes (NUEI)
Co-operating organisations:	Education International (EI) World Health Organisation (WHO) Education Development Center (EDC)
Related Links:
Grouping:	EI Education For All-HIV/AIDS Prevention (EFAIDS) Programme

This project is still in progress.

Project Summary:

The Uganda National Teachers' Union have been implementing the EFAIDS Programme since 2006 and were joined in their activities by the National Union of Education Institutes in 2008.

Activities in 2008

The incorporation of the National Union of Education Institutes into the EFAIDS Programme, to work together with the established partner, the Uganda National Teachers’ Union ensures that the EFAIDS Programme will reachs out to the entire spectrum of the education sector, including previously unrepresented support staff.

UNATU continued with their training successes. After identifying the different training needs of teachers at distinct levels of the education sector, they organised thematic training workshops accordingly. During 2006 and 2007 UNATU successfully trained many teachers on HIV prevention education, so during 2008 training targeting trainee teachers was carried out to ensure that teachers entering the profession are well grounded in HIV prevention education strategies. UNATU organised a two-day workshop for the deputy principals of Primary Level Teaching Colleges. Fifty-five master trainers participated in sessions to learn about the EFAIDS publications, share best practice and explore ways of overcoming challenges. A major achievement of the workshop was the drafting of action plans to integrate EFAIDS themes into teacher training programmes.

Bududa, a district in Eastern Uganda ranks low on education achievement, therefore UNATU opted to hold a workshop for head teachers of primary and secondary schools, and school management committees’, as well as union district leaders, on the theme of achieving quality education. By bringing together 134 people involved in education provision, the workshop sought to enhance dialogue between the major stakeholders in order to achieve improved learning outcomes. At the close of the workshop district authorities committed to using the recommendations of the meeting to inform their work on improving education in Bududa district.

A similarly themed workshop on EFA issues was held in Tororo district, with over 165 teachers, head teachers and district leaders working together towards a plan for quality education. A further workshop for stakeholders in Oyam district resulted in the production of a shared position of commitment on improving learning outcomes.

The Thematic Curriculum was introduced into the Ugandan school system in 2007. This way of teaching brings new challenges and opportunities for teachers, and to assist teachers with the transition UNATU held a series of workshops so that the Curriculum can be successfully implemented, and contribute to the overarching goal of achieving quality Education for All. Further workshops will be held to consolidate the Thematic Curriculum as it is rolled out in the upper primary level.

Policy development centred on gender. UNATU and NUEI members, together with members from the Teachers Anti AIDS Action Group, worked on a plan to integrate gender issues in the HIV response and to engender an environment of shared roles and responsibilities.
The unions worked in partnership on a joint advocacy and communication strategy. The decision to run talk-shows on five regional radio stations throughout Uganda proved highly effective, and teachers as well as members of the wider community were very involved in the broadcast discussions. Posters combating discrimination and posters promoting voluntary testing were circulated. Union members were regularly updated on EFAIDS issues and activities via the quarterly newsletter.

The role of teachers in quality education was highlighted on World Teachers Day, when over 6,000 teachers across the country were recognised as Educators of Excellence. World AIDS Day was marked with celebrations and awareness raising activities at Nakasero Primary School in Kampala and the One Hour on AIDS lesson was carried out in schools throughout Uganda

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Common Name:	Uganda
Official Name:	Republic of Uganda

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