Bethany Hall, Kumi District – 17th June 2025
Stakeholders from across the education, health, cultural, and community sectors gathered at Bethany Hall in Kumi District to mark the regional closeout of the Simameni Project in the Teso Region. The event brought together head teachers, PTA and BOG chairpersons, Simameni club leaders, senior women and men teachers, students, local leaders, CTF representatives, and the UNATU Secretariat to celebrate the transformation Simameni has sparked in secondary schools.
A Unified Call for Sustainability
Paul Ojilong, Teso Regional Chairperson, opened the meeting with a heartfelt appreciation for all stakeholders. He recognized UNATU’s commitment to inclusive education and its longstanding partnership with the Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF). Ojilong encouraged the schools to remain role models and use Simameni resources—such as sewing machines and vocational tools—to provide lifelong skills to students, especially girls. “Be great mentors who walk the talk,” he urged. He called on all stakeholders to continue efforts in budgeting, parental involvement, and gender equity.
Transformative Testimonies from Beneficiaries
Female leaders from schools like St. Elizabeth Girls SS and Kobin Seed School expressed how Simameni helped girls access education, acquire life skills like bag-making, soap-making, and sanitary towel production, and regain their confidence. One student from St. Elizabeth proudly shared her journey from being the first girl in her family to attend A’Level to starting her own small business. “It’s not your background that determines your future, but your mindset,” she said.
Former student Grace Alupo from Ongino SS reflected on her difficult upbringing and credited Simameni for empowering her with skills and academic motivation. A male student also shared how skills like shoemaking and mentorship through Simameni propelled him to university.
Voices of Leadership and Gratitude
Bosco Okello, PTA Chairperson of Pingire SS, reflected on the project’s powerful legacy, calling for its continuation and integration into community practices. The Head Teacher of Ngora Girls highlighted reduced dropouts, increased confidence, and teacher retooling in gender-responsive methods. She called for scaling Simameni to non-beneficiary schools and institutionalizing its activities.
The Deputy Head Teacher of St. Elizabeth Girls noted the impact of inclusive practices and the role of male teachers in supporting gender equality. A BOG representative praised the holistic approach of the project—from sewing machines to safe environments and student clubs.
Partner Reflections and Torch Passing
Deputy General Secretary of UNATU emphasized the project’s success in challenging stereotypes and promoting gender-responsive pedagogy. “Everyone here is a key player in upholding the Simameni legacy,” he said, calling for firm interventions at school level.
Claudia Guidolin (Associate Executive Director, CTF) and Cheryl Sheffield (Simameni Program Manager, CTF) celebrated the collective achievements over five years. Cheryl passed the symbolic torch of responsibility to the participants, affirming that “when girls rise, we all rise.”
Stakeholder Commitment to Girls’ Education
Local leaders, including the Inspector of Schools, DCDO, and police representatives, pledged to continue sensitizing communities and supporting child safety and positive affirmation. The DEO of Kumi inspired participants to look at the closeout not as an end, but a new responsibility: “Let the spirit of Simameni continue to every staffroom, classroom, and office.”
Closing Note
Okwalinga Grace, National Vice Chairperson, closed the gathering with a rallying call: “Keep the flag flying. You are now ambassadors of Simameni.” She praised the success of the project and called on everyone to continue the work of empowerment, mentorship, and sustainable education for all.
Great thanks was given to Global Affairs, Canada for the funding, Canadian Teachers Federation (CTF/FCE) and UNATU for the implementation of the project throughout the members Simameni may be closing this chapter in Teso, but the seeds of transformation have taken root—and the future of inclusive, gender-responsive education is in capable hands.
