In Namayingo District, where access to quality education and opportunities remains a significant challenge, two young learners, Kizito Richard (12) and Nabwiire Catherine (13), have embraced a path that has brought them hope and is helping shape their future. These two pupils are among the many beneficiaries of an innovative skilling program introduced by three Teach For Uganda Fellows at Bunyika Primary School, Namayingo District, Katusiime Davis, Nekesa Betty and Nabwire Eunice. Driven by Teach For Uganda's goals to uplift underserved communities through education and leadership, the Fellows established the skilling Club at the school which was born out of the need to equip learners with practical, life-changing skills that extend beyond the classroom setting.
Teach For Uganda Fellows, Katusiime Davis, Nekesa Betty and Nabwire Eunice stand alongside learners Kizito Richard (12) and Nabwiire Catherine (13) at Bunyika Primary School, proud participants in the school’s skilling program.
Through the skilling Club, learners at Bunyika Primary School are being given hands-on training in making liquid soap, reusable sanitary pads, crocheting and receiving structured mentorship. The liquid soap-making initiative, in particular, has had a profound impact. Richard and Catherine, like many of their peers, have learned how to make and package liquid soap, which they now sell within their local communities. The income generated from these sales helps them acquire essential school materials such as pens, books and uniforms, items that would otherwise be beyond reach for many families in the area. More than that, the soap has also improved hygiene both at home and at school, playing a crucial role in reducing absenteeism caused by illness and ensuring that learning takes place in a clean, healthy environment.
Learners at Bunyika Primary School see themselves as active contributors to their communities rather than as passive recipients of aid. This mindset shift is a direct result of the mentorship they receive from the Fellows, who serve as role models and agents for change.
The impact of the skilling Club at Bunyika Primary School extends beyond the learners themselves as Parents, teachers and community members have also become actively involved. Some parents have expressed immense pride in their children’s newfound abilities, while others have begun supporting the initiative through raw material contributions or by encouraging peer training among learners. The community, once distant from school activities, now sees education as a pathway to personal and economic development.
Members of the skilling club at Bunyika Primary School share a proud, lighthearted moment together.
The sustainability of this initiative is equally impressive because by training older students to teach younger ones and promoting the use of locally available materials, the Fellows have ensured that the project can continue even after their Fellowship ends.
I’ve learned how to make and sell liquid soap. The money helps me buy books and uniforms and I feel proud knowing I’m helping my family and staying in school.” — Kizito Richard, 12, Beneficiary of the Skilling Program at Bunyika Primary School.
Teach For Uganda’s mission is deeply rooted in creating equitable education opportunities and nurturing leaders who are committed to ending education inequity. The Bunyika Primary School story highlights how young leaders, through commitment and creativity, can change the entire community.
