In Kikuube District, Cohort 7 Fellow Ivan Kanembe is reshaping what it means to make a lasting impact in rural education. At Bugambe Tea Primary School, he teaches a class of over 80 learners, children brimming with potential, yet often constrained by forces beyond their control.
When Ivan first arrived, he noticed that many students were absent from school. After engaging with parents, he discovered that hunger was keeping children at home as many families could not afford daily meals. Determined to find a sustainable solution, Ivan initiated a school garden project. Working alongside learners, teachers, and parents, he cultivated a thriving garden whose produce now supports the school’s feeding program.
Ivan Kanembe, a Teach For Uganda Fellow, stands alongside learners from Bugambe Tea Primary School in Kikuube District at the school garden he helped establish, an initiative that now supports the school’s feeding program.
The results have been transformative. Attendance and concentration levels have improved, and the garden itself has become a valuable learning tool where children develop practical agricultural skills and take pride in their work.
“Eating food from our garden feels different—it’s like we all helped make it happen,” says
Mugisha Pretty, Primary 2, age 9.
Learners from Bugambe Tea Primary School tend to the vegetable section of their school garden, carefully weeding to help the crops thrive.
To boost morale and strengthen unity, Ivan also started a school football team and what began as a small after-class activity soon became a powerful source of inspiration and motivation. Through football, learners developed teamwork, discipline and confidence, qualities that now reflect in their classrooms as well. The team has fostered a sense of belonging and pride, helping learners channel their energy positively and stay engaged with school life.
To further strengthen learning outcomes, Ivan introduced the Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) approach, which helps learners build strong foundations in literacy and numeracy. This method has brought remarkable progress, ensuring that each child learns at their own pace and achieves meaningful growth.
Ivan supports John Mawanda, a 10-year-old learner from Primary 2 at Bugambe Tea Primary School, Kikuube District. Through TaRL methods, learners like John are empowered to thrive and dream beyond limitations.
Beyond academics, Ivan’s leadership has inspired the entire community. Parents are now actively engaged in their children’s education, supporting school initiatives and recognizing the value of learning.
Understanding the unique challenges girls face, especially those in Primary Seven (P.7), Ivan proposed the creation of a boarding section to help them focus on their studies without distractions. This initiative has already begun shaping a more supportive learning environment for girls preparing for their final exams.
Today, Bugambe Tea Primary School stands as a model of community-driven transformation. Learners attend regularly, parents participate enthusiastically, and education is seen as a shared responsibility and a pathway to a better future.
“Seeing my learners happy, focused, and thriving gives me hope for the future. This is the change we dreamt of,” says Ivan.
By leading with innovation, empathy, and purpose, Ivan has driven meaningful change that extends well beyond his teaching space. Every day, Fellows like Ivan are proving that meaningful change is possible when communities come together to reimagine education. By supporting our mission, you help ensure that every child in Uganda, no matter where they live, has access to quality learning, dedicated teachers, and a brighter future.
👉 Join us today. Please support our mission to nurture leaders who are committed to advancing equitable access to quality education for children in the underserved communities.
