River Flow International (RIFI) proudly announced Tumutungirehi James, a teacher at Nyakabungo Primary School in Sheema District, as the Christmas Science Challenge 2024 winner. He was awarded a shopping voucher worth UGX 1 million for his outstanding participation and creativity in the competition.
The Competition in Numbers
The challenge, which ran from December 10 to December 20, 2024, attracted nine innovative science teachers across Uganda. Collectively, their entries garnered over 35,000 reactions on RIFI’s social media platforms, highlighting the enthusiastic engagement of both participants and the online community. Tumutungirehi’s electric circuit experiment entry stood out, amassing over 6,000 reactions, including likes, shares, and comments on facebook, X and Tik Tok.
Second place went to Amumpaire Brenda from Little Angels Nursery and Primary School, whose video earned an impressive 5,000 reactions. Other notable participants included Atwijukire Ronald from Bugongi Central Primary School (Sheema) and Kabusa Diana from Murari Primary School, who secured third and fourth places, respectively. Each runner-up was honored with a Christmas hamper to celebrate their achievements.
Recognizing Excellence
During the awarding ceremony, RIFI Managing Director Mr. Simuka Muhammed commended the teachers for their dedication and innovation. “This challenge highlights the incredible talent and creativity of our teachers. By utilizing science materials, you have inspired learners and elevated science education in Uganda,” he remarked.
This initiative showcased teachers’ creativity and encouraged the adoption of practical, competency-based teaching methods in science classrooms.
The Christmas Science Challenge was open to science teachers who use science kits and Laboratory Instructional Manuals. Participants competed in two categories:
Primary Teachers: Submitted two-minute science videos or experiments demonstrating the use of RIFI’s Science Kit.
Secondary Teachers: Produced videos showcasing concepts from Senior 1 Biology, Chemistry, or Physics Laboratory Instructional Manuals through simple experiments.
Entries were judged based on the total number of reactions received on social media. A minimum of 1,000 reactions was required to qualify for the grand prize, ensuring active online engagement.
Participant’s Remarks
In his acceptance speech, Tumutungirehi James expressed deep appreciation to RIFI for organizing the challenge and called upon fellow educators to embrace such opportunities. “I am deeply honored by this award and appreciate RIFI for organizing this impactful challenge. Such opportunities help us improve science education and inspire learners,” he said.
He also appreciated the Ministry of Education, which is led by First Lady Hon. Maama Janet Museveni, for supporting programs that promote science education and address societal challenges.
“I thank River Flow International for inspiring me in the world of science and awarding me this generous voucher. The science kit provided to our school has transformed how we teach science practically, lifting our academic performance. I also encourage fellow teachers to participate in such challenges, as they uplift our professional growth” said Kabusa Diana, a teacher at Murari Primary School in Kigarama Sub County, Sheema District.
Amumpaire Brenda a teacher from Little Angels Nursery and Primary School thanked River Flow International, for giving her the opportunity to participate in the Christmas Science Challenge 2024.
She further said that our efforts to publish her video, award her a delightful Christmas hamper, and provide practical learning materials are truly commendable.
River Flow International continues to improve the teaching of Science practically using materials in the science kits. Through initiatives like the Christmas Science Challenge, RIFI empowers teachers with the tools and resources needed to transform science education in Uganda.
By the end of 2024, RIFI had reached over 1,200 teachers through its training programs, impacting thousands of learners nationwide. With its unwavering commitment, RIFI aims to spark a lasting interest in science among educators and students alike, shaping the future of Uganda’s education system.