The landscape of education in Uganda is undergoing a significant transformation and one of its brightest examples emerged during the Uganda National Science Week 2025. Our Partner School, Katereiga Primary School, located in Butema Sub-county, Hoima City, made headlines with an innovative student-led project that captured the attention of the nation. Under the guidance of remarkable mentors, Moses Ocen and Nafuna Patricia Faith who are fellows from Teach For Uganda. The students at Katereiga Primary School presented a groundbreaking initiative titled “Recycling Agricultural Waste into Charcoal Briquettes”. This project not only shone a spotlight on the potential of young minds but also addressed pressing environmental concerns, establishing the school as an inspiration in the community.
The Importance of Innovation
The project at our partner school Katereiga Primary School highlights innovation in addressing local issues. It is essential to understand why this groundbreaking initiative matters significantly:
1. Environmental Conservation:
- The project directly tackles deforestation, a major problem in Ugandan communities. By recycling agricultural waste into charcoal briquettes, the dependency on firewood is reduced, which in turn helps conserve local forests.
- This innovative approach mitigates the dangers of over exploitation of trees that play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.
The learners presenting on stage at Kololo Airstrip during the 2025 National Science Week.
2. Cost-Effectiveness:
- Using agricultural waste that is readily available minimizes the school's wood fuel expenses. This approach not only makes financial sense but also promotes sustainable practices.
- The ability to generate extra income from selling charcoal briquettes locally also adds a layer of economic sustainability to the initiative.
3. Skill Development:
- Engaging in the project provides students with hands-on experience in environmental science. They build essential life skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity.
- Such experiences generate student interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, encouraging younger generations to pursue careers that can lead to further innovations.
4. Community Empowerment:
- Representing the school at a national event, young learners like Murungi Asumpta, Nasasira Winnie, and Kabusinge Gloria Namubiru showed that when students are empowered, their potential can be limitless.
- The community witnesses firsthand the tangible benefits stemming from such innovations, bolstering local morale and involvement.
From right: Nafuna Faith Patricia in a yellow dress (Teach For Uganda Fellow), learners Murungi Asumpta, Nasasira Winnie, and Kabusinge Gloria Namubiru, Moses Ocen (Teach For Uganda Fellow), and Katereiga Primary School’s Senior Woman Teacher, Ms. Dorah Nyakato, await their turn to present during the Uganda National Science Week 2025.
The Journey to Recognition
While Katereiga Primary School may not have secured the top spot in the contest, their journey to recognition is a win that shows collaboration between educators and learners. The process of conceptualizing and executing the project provided an enriching experience that extends mere competition.
The Broader Impact of STEM Education
The importance of fostering STEM education cannot be understated. The achievements at Katereiga Primary School are indicative of a broader movement toward nurturing a generation that is equipped to confront global challenges.
- Encouragement of STEM Careers: By engaging young learners in projects aligned with real-world problems, schools like Katereiga Primary are laying the foundation for careers in STEM.
- Sustainable Practices: Through such educational initiatives, students learn the significance of sustainability, prompting them to adopt environmentally friendly practices in their daily lives, contributing to long-term ecological health for their communities.
At Teach For Uganda, we believe that every child, regardless of their location or background, deserves access to quality education and opportunities to thrive. The success of this presentation showcases the possibilities that arise when we collectively strive for innovation and environmental sustainability in education. Congratulations to the brilliant minds at Katereiga Primary School for paving the way forward, May their journey inspire others to follow suit.
