Seventeen District school inspectors had a workshop with the River Flow International (RIFI) team at the National Curriculum Development Center (NCDC). As part of our commitment to fostering science educational excellence, we conducted a specialized workshop for Regional School Inspectors. This training session focused on equipping inspectors with updated tools, insights, and strategies to support effective teaching and administrative practices in schools across the region.
The workshop aimed to strengthen inspectors’ capacity by emphasizing practical, data-driven approaches to school assessment and monitoring the utilization of Integrated Primary science kits, the Laboratory Instructional guide, the Secondary Competence-based Science Kit, and COBSAG. With the ever-evolving educational landscape, inspectors play a pivotal role in bridging policy and practice, ensuring that teaching standards align with national goals and international benchmarks. Our goal is to empower inspectors to become catalysts for positive change, enhancing the quality of science education through informed oversight and guidance.
Dr. Bernadette Nambi Karuhang, Deputy Director of the National Curriculum Development Center (NCDC) in charge of Curriculum Instructional materials, urged inspectors that they are the ones who go out there and see what is being implemented and tell whether what is being done is what is supposed to be done. NCDC believes they have a critical role in implementing the curriculum. She further added that the materials may be there, the curriculum may be there, and the teachers may be there. Still, the inspectors must also be there because if you’re not there, some of them know that sometimes they’ve gone to schools and found when the head teacher is not there, the children are playing in the field when they are supposed to be in class and the teachers are not there. Then they call them, and you have to wait for the teachers to come and find you.
Inspectors are critical, but we also want to tap into your expertise because you are professional teachers regarding instructional materials. I’m hoping that you will have a word or so to talk about these materials in terms of where you think they can add in terms of the areas you feel are very challenging to learners so that they can be focused on those areas, considering that the resources may be limited. Still, she added that they can best spread the word and the gospel that such materials exist.
On her part, Dr. Bernadette Nambi said NCDC encourages initiatives such as River Flow International-Science Teaching and Innovations Africa to continue developing innovations that enhance curriculum implementation and improve the quality of science education. We believe that if this is done to perfection, the long-term benefits of either party will be enormous.
The Managing Director, Mr. Simuka Mohammed, said 1,002 primary schools were sampled and piloted in the country but would come from different areas. Not all the schools were sampled, but at least they got 1,002. The selection was done by the government—not by us. He further said the government would consider the district’s five best-performing and five least-performing schools. So, it was also piloted and launched by the first lady, Mama Janet Museveni, in 2022 at the State House.
“These materials were piloted, and they are there, but we didn’t want to assume how effectively they are being used in those schools, so we said we need them to be used. Other schools that have not yet received these materials can get the government to add the budget and consider other schools that have not yet received these materials, said Simuka.”
Adding, “We realized that it is this group, senior group of school inspectors, who would help us see that these materials we put in schools are effective, handled, and utilized. Then, we see science being promoted and passed on to another level.”
Inspectors reported greater confidence in their roles and a deeper understanding of how to drive meaningful change in schools. They expressed enthusiasm for implementing their new skills; some have already begun sharing initial regional successes. We are confident that this workshop has provided a solid foundation for continued progress, ultimately improving the quality of education for students across the region.
“On behalf of the NCDC Governing Council, I want to thank River Flow International for working in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Sports to ensure that the learners of Uganda access quality science resources. I encourage you and other publishers to continue working with the government towards achieving SDG4, which aims to ensure inclusive and quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. I also want to thank our dear school inspectors for setting aside your valuable time to attend this meeting, said Dr. Bernadette Nambi.
This workshop begins a more significant effort to strengthen educational quality through continuous learning and innovation. We plan to hold follow-up sessions to assess progress, provide additional training, and maintain an open channel for inspectors to share best practices and challenges. Together, we are committed to creating an environment where every student can access high-quality education, and every school can thrive.
Investing in the involvement of our Regional school Inspectors is essential to maintaining high standards and advancing science educational outcomes. We are proud of the progress made in this workshop and look forward to continued collaboration with our inspectors to achieve excellence in education.
