In a significant step toward strengthening science education in Uganda, eight private schools across Kampala, Mukono, Sembabule and Arua have successfully completed specialized training in the use of the New Approach Primary Practical Science Mini-Laboratory. The training, facilitated by experts from River Flow International, aims to bridge the long-standing gap between theoretical teaching and hands-on scientific learning in primary schools.
The beneficiary institutions include Golden Stars Primary School (Mutungo), Hopeland Junior School (Mukono), Makindye Junior School, Oasis Schools (Arua), Spongebob Nursery School, Harbour Junior School (Nsangi), Lwemiyaga Junior School (Sembabule), and Cornerstone Community Schools (Buwate).
Each of these schools recently acquired the Primary Science Kit, commonly known as the “Mini-Laboratory,” to enhance practical science teaching and learning.
Bringing Science to Life
For years, many primary schools have struggled to deliver science lessons in an engaging and practical manner, largely due to limited resources and insufficient exposure to experimental teaching methods.
The introduction of the Mini-Laboratory is now transforming classroom experiences.
During the training, teachers gained hands-on skills in using the science kits to demonstrate key concepts such as electricity, magnetism, and human body systems. The sessions emphasized learner participation, experimentation, and discovery key elements in modern competency-based education.
According to the lead trainer, Mr. Stuart Nabaasa of River Flow International, the initiative is designed to shift teaching from traditional lecture-based methods to interactive, learner-centered approaches that stimulate curiosity and critical thinking among pupils.
Teachers Welcome the Shift
Teachers who participated in the training expressed excitement about the positive changes already taking place in their classrooms.
“At first, science was abstract for many learners,” said a teacher from Makindye Junior School. “But now, pupils can see, touch, and experiment. It has made teaching not only easier but also more enjoyable.” Mr. Odyek Jaspher Lamek, a teacher at Hopeland Junior School, noted that the training has significantly improved his teaching experience.
“For seven years, science was largely theoretical. But with the science kit, learning has become practical. Pupils now understand concepts through observation and experience, making lessons much easier to explain.”
Teachers from Oasis Schools in Arua also highlighted increased confidence in delivering lessons, particularly in lower primary classes where foundational knowledge is critical.
“At first, science was abstract for many learners,” said a teacher from Makindye Junior School. “But now, pupils can see, touch, and experiment. It has made teaching not only easier but also more enjoyable.”
Teachers Welcome the Shift
Teachers who participated in the training expressed excitement about the positive changes already taking place in their classrooms.
“At first, science was abstract for many learners,” said a teacher from Makindye Junior School. “But now, pupils can see, touch, and experiment. It has made teaching not only easier but also more enjoyable.” Mr. Odyek Jaspher Lamek, a teacher at Hopeland Junior School, noted that the training has significantly improved his teaching experience.
“For seven years, science was largely theoretical. But with the science kit, learning has become practical. Pupils now understand concepts through observation and experience, making lessons much easier to explain.”
Teachers from Oasis Schools in Arua also highlighted increased confidence in delivering lessons, particularly in lower primary classes where foundational knowledge is critical.
