Date:9th August, 2024
Venue:Civil Service College Jinja
On the 9th of August, 2024, the Civil Service College, Jinja City hosted a dynamic youth training workshop, organized by the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) for Busoga Region. A total of 134 enthusiastic youth teachers attended the event, which aimed at fostering leadership, advocating for professional development, and addressing key issues affecting young educators in the region.
Baluka Dorothy, the Regional Coordinator, opened the workshop by expressing gratitude to the secondary sector participants and encouraging the youth to be open and share their experiences. She emphasized the importance of unity and urged the attendees to visit the UNATU office and become active agents of the union. “We can do it if we speak the same language,” she affirmed.
The workshop saw the presence of several key regional executive members, including the Regional Chairperson, the Regional Secretary for Women Affairs, and the Regional Representative for Youth Busoga.
Inspirational Keynote by Baguma Filbert Bates
The highlight of the event was the keynote address by Baguma Filbert Bates, the General Secretary of UNATU. He shared his inspiring journey of becoming a teacher leader after only four years of service, urging the youth to seek leadership roles within themselves. “For you to be an effective teacher, you have to be yearning for knowledge all the time,” he said. He emphasized the importance of staying informed and being proactive in their professional development.
The GS also addressed crucial topics such as the legal framework under which UNATU operates, citing articles 20 and 40 of the Constitution of Uganda that outline fundamental human and economic rights. He discussed the significance of knowing one’s rights, avoiding overwork, and the legality of industrial action which is also provided for in the Constitution of Uganda.
Empowering Discussions and Key Issues
The workshop included detailed discussions on the goals of UNATU, highlighting the protection of legitimate rights of teachers and the promotion of continuous professional development. The GS encouraged the youth to read the National Teacher Policy and stay updated with the latest information. He stressed the importance of a collective voice and urged teachers to take advantage of the available resources.
Addressing Financial Literacy and Well-being
A significant part of the workshop was dedicated to financial literacy, where the GS sternly warned against the pitfalls of multiple loans, describing them as a “disease.” He advised the youth to read loan documents carefully and avoid unnecessary borrowing to uplift social status. Instead, he recommended relying on UNATU SACCO and prioritizing saving over taking loans.
Motivational Speech by Kumutala Esther
Kumutala Esther, the Busoga Regional Chairperson, encouraged the youth to spread the message of UNATU, make informed decisions, and respect one another. She urged them to set goals, practice self-love and care, and embrace new policies in the education system. “Learn to save for your retirement,” she advised, emphasizing the importance of planning for the future.
Interactive Q&A Session
The workshop concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where the youth raised various concerns, including access to loans, scholarships, study leave with pay, and the early retirement procedure. the GS provided detailed responses, highlighting the benefits of UNATU SACCO, the availability of CTF-UNATU scholarships, and the importance of staying informed through the UNATU website.
He demystified common misconceptions about loans and payroll, explained the calculation for pensions, and discussed the use of regional talk shows to disseminate UNATU’s information. “Think globally, act locally,” he encouraged, urging the youth to be proactive in their professional development and community involvement.
The Busoga Region youth training workshop was a significant step towards empowering young teachers, fostering leadership, and promoting professional growth. The event underscored the collective strength of teachers and the importance of staying informed and united in their pursuit of educational excellence.
