Bethany Hall, Kumi District | 16th June 2025
On 16th June 2025, the Simameni project convened 60 students and 12 teachers from the project-implementing schools in Teso for a student mentorship session at Bethany Hall in Kumi District. The event also brought together regional and national UNATU leadership led by the Vice National Chairperson, District Education Officers from the implementing districts, representatives from the Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF), and UNATU staff led by the Deputy General Secretary. The workshop served as a platform to reflect on the Simameni project’s impact and chart sustainability strategies—particularly among students and teachers from participating schools.
Opening the session, Mr. Ojilong Paul, Teso Regional Chairperson, delivered heartfelt remarks thanking UNATU, CTF, and Global Affairs Canada for choosing to work with Teso Region. He emphasized the uniqueness of the opportunity and called upon stakeholders, teachers and the students to sustain the progress made. Quoting, “Once you carry your own water, you will learn the value of every drop,” he challenged attendees to own the Simameni legacy and walk the talk.
Students showcased moving performances, including a poem and skit from Kobwin Seed SS, Nyero Rock High School dramatizing life before and after Simameni. Presentations from various schools, including Bukedea SS, affirmed the inclusive benefits of the project for both girls and boys, with participants speaking passionately about enhanced access to learning materials, skills training, and gender-sensitive school environments.
Program Officer Ms. Grace Alubo acknowledged the bittersweet closure of the project, expressing pride in how far students and schools had come. She encouraged them to keep the Simameni torch burning through continued activities like arts, farming, student mentorship, and community outreach. Ojetenyang School further demonstrated sustainability through a practical session on making reusable sanitary pads.
Officially opening the mentorship session, UNATU Deputy General Secretary Mr. Duluga Buni Phillip praised the partnership between UNATU, CTF, and Global Affairs Canada. He highlighted core Simameni values—Access, Retention, and Equal Opportunities—and stressed the importance of documenting success stories, supporting girls’ education, and fostering a gender-sensitive climate in schools and communities.
The session was further enriched by a delegation from the Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF/FCE), including Associate Executive Director Claudia Guidolin, who praised the transformative impact of Simameni, stating: “When a girl learns, she teaches others. When boys support girls, they shine.” She applauded the resilience of the program officers and the commitment of UNATU and CTF, encouraging participants to view Simameni not as a project, but as a community-driven movement.
Project Manager Simameni, CTF Cheryl Sheffield expressed admiration for the courage and openness of students, particularly boys supporting girls’ education and challenging traditional gender stereotypes and roles. She reported a 256% increase in girls joining secondary schools under Simameni and praised stakeholders for the cultural shift and improved school retention.
Education Expert Mr. Ochung Moses Mathew delivered a keynote presentation on “Mentoring on Leadership for Sustainability.” He emphasized leadership as a mindset, urging students to engage in reflective practice, develop critical life skills, and commit to lifelong learning. His message called for bold, transformative leadership rooted in purpose, integrity, and inclusiveness.
Students along side their teachers presented sustainability strategies such as maintaining Simameni clubs, budgeting for activities, training peers, and strengthening community engagement. Schools shared achievements ranging from vegetable gardening and menstrual hygiene management to soap making, beadwork, and fashion projects. St. Elizabeth Girls SS proudly exhibited crafts like sandals and crochet bags as tangible proof of student empowerment.
In her closing remarks, UNATU Vice National Chairperson Ms. Grace Okwalinga thanked project partners for their unwavering support. She reflected on how Simameni has ignited a transformation not just in girls but also in boys, emphasizing solidarity and inclusion. Calling it a moment of perfection and reflection, she challenged participants to consider their legacy: “What will they call you after Simameni?” She urged teachers and learners alike never to lose hope.
As the Simameni project nears its formal close, this mentorship session marked not an ending, but a beginning—an enduring call to action for every stakeholder to carry forward the values, knowledge, and spirit that have redefined education and gender empowerment in the Teso region.
I am a school nurse really directly working with the students,but whenever chances for simameni meetings appear,we are sidelined, I wish you consider non teaching staff too in the trainings