Joan Aja | Gender Officer, UNATU – A teacher by profession she is currently serving as the Gender Officer at Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU).
“Amazingly, despite these daunting challenges, when you visit a school in Uganda, you will find classrooms filled to capacity.”
As Uganda joins the continent to celebrate the Day of the African Child, the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) reaffirms its commitment to advocating for every learner. From policy level advocacy to grassroots teacher support, UNATU works tirelessly to end violence, eliminate child labor, and improve the educational realities of all children.
Commemorating this important day is a call to reflect on the lived experiences of learners across Uganda. While education is the foundation for developing potentials and enriching lives, schooling is not always a positive experience. Every day, many children exhibit remarkable resilience to endure immense hardships: walking long distances, attending school hungry or unwell, and studying in semi-permanent classrooms or even under trees. On the hills and mountains, learners face shivering cold in unheated, airless, and unfurnished classrooms. These conditions, combined with a lack of scholastic materials, stymie learning and thwart the educational journey.
Furthermore, learning is often hindered by systemic gaps such as shortages of teachers, lack of running water, and absence of electricity. Tragically, it can also mean being frightened by threats of punishment, humiliation, bullying, or violence at the hands of teachers, peers, or community members.
Amazingly, despite these daunting challenges, when you visit a school in Uganda, you will find classrooms filled to capacity. Every child carries dreams in their hands, and teachers are working incredibly hard to help them achieve those goals.
As custodians and caregivers of these learners, teachers play an indispensable role in protecting children and nurturing their potential. UNATU recognizes the heavy burden carried by educators and actively advocates for improved teacher welfare, professional capacity building, and better working conditions.
To bridge the gap between harsh realities and the bright futures our children deserve, UNATU takes direct action through several key initiatives:
- Government Collaboration: Active participation in the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) Gender Technical Working Group and the Guidance and Counseling Department to create safer, more inclusive school environments.
- Protection from Exploitation: Combating child labor and fighting to end all forms of violence against children in schools.
- Child Centric Focus: Promoting psychological and emotional resilience so that learners can overcome harsh physical environments.
As a teacher union, we believe it is vital to join hands and celebrate the Day of the African Child. By supporting our teachers and championing the rights of our learners, we can transform the school experience from a struggle into a supportive environment where every child’s dream is realized.
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