As part of Teach For Uganda’ board commitment to strengthening governance and deepening its understanding of the impact of our work, the Teach For Uganda Board recently conducted a field visit to St. Peter’s Matale Primary School, Buikwe followed by its Mid-Year Board Meeting.
During the school visit, Board members engaged closely with Fellows, the Head Teacher and the pupils. The visit offered an opportunity to witness first-hand the transformative work of our Fellows in classrooms ranging from innovative teaching practices that included craft works to improvements in literacy, confidence, and learner engagement.
A Teach For Uganda Fellow (in purple) showcases craftwork created by learners at St. Peter Matale to visiting members of the Teach For Uganda Board.
The Board joined Fellows in classrooms, observing how innovative teaching methods are nurturing not just academic growth but also confidence, leadership, and curiosity among learners. The interaction with Fellows was particularly enriching. Fellows shared their lived experiences teaching in under-resourced classrooms, bridging learning gaps in literacy and numeracy, and inspiring pupils to dream bigger despite the challenges. Board members engaged actively, asking questions, offering encouragement, and reflecting on the Fellows’ resilience. These conversations gave the Board fresh insights into the realities of teaching at the frontline and how policy and governance decisions translate into real classroom impact.
Teach For Uganda Board members engage firsthand with the everyday challenges unfolding in classrooms across underserved communities.
A highlight of the school visit was the tree-planting ceremony. Beyond adding shade and greenery to the compound, the act carried deep meaning, symbolizing growth, resilience, and sustainability in both education and the environment. As Charlotte, Managing Director, Teach For Uganda, reflects,
“Just as these trees will grow and provide shade for years to come, our Fellows are planting awareness of sustainability in the lives of children. What we nurture today will define the Uganda we want tomorrow.”
Teach For Uganda Board members join learners at St. Peter’s Matale to plant trees, nurturing both the environment and shared purpose.
Following the school engagement, the Board convened for its Mid-Year Meeting, where members reviewed the organization’s progress to date, discussed strategic priorities for the second half of the year, and approved revised targets to ensure we remain on track toward achieving our 2025 goals.
A key highlight of the meeting was the election of a new Board Chair, Mr. Ivan Ssenfuma, who succeeds Mr. Tony Otoa Okao and will be deputized by Ms. Stella Nkini Ndiwalana. Ivan brings a strong background in education and governance, and his appointment signals a new chapter of bold, visionary leadership. In his remarks, Mr. Senfuma emphasized continuity and growth:
“I am honored to take on this responsibility at such a critical time for Teach For Uganda. Our work in education is about transforming lives and shaping the future of this country. I look forward to building on the foundation laid by my predecessor as we chart the next phase of impact.”
Mr. Ivan Ssenfuma, incoming Chairperson of the Teach For Uganda Board.
Outgoing Chair, Mr. Tony Otoa, reflected on his tenure and the collaborative spirit of the Board.
“Serving as Board Chair has been an incredible journey. I have seen first-hand the dedication of our Fellows, staff, and leadership, and I am confident that under Ivan’s leadership, Teach For Uganda will continue to thrive and expand its impact,” he said.
The Board expressed its gratitude to the outgoing Chair for his invaluable leadership and welcomed the new Chair to steer Teach For Uganda into its next chapter of growth and impact. Other Board members in attendance included Ms. Rose Izizinga, Mr. Bwisho Michael, Ms. Stella Ndiwalana, and Ms. Sarah Kayondo.
The day was not only about oversight, but about reconnecting with the purpose that unites Fellows, staff, and leaders alike, the belief that every child in Uganda deserves an excellent education.
The dual engagement school visit and governance meeting reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to supporting Fellows, empowering learners, and strengthening the education ecosystem in Uganda. Insights gathered from the visit will directly inform how we continue to improve our fellowship program and partnerships with schools and communities.
