Embracing the Call: My Remarkable Journey as a Teach For Uganda Fellow

My name is Naturinda Liniaus, and I am an Accountant by profession with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Gulu University. Currently, I am proudly serving as a Teach for Uganda fellow at Mugema Primary School, where I am teaching English and Numeracy to the bright young minds of primary one.

My journey with these students began in February 2023, and they were eager but inexperienced learners, struggling to hold a pencil, read simple English words, or count from one to ten. Many lacked the necessary learning materials, faced irregular attendance, and the language barrier made it challenging for us to connect.

However, my passion for teaching and my love for children led me to adapt and create a plan to make a difference in their lives. I started by understanding their family backgrounds through home visits to identify the root causes of their learning challenges. Through collaboration with the school staff and invaluable guidance from my Coach, Mr. Kamukama Solomon, I transformed my classroom into an engaging and inspiring space.

With the help of interactive teaching methods and my passion for singing and dancing, I composed rhymes and number songs that made learning a joyful experience. The impact was remarkable, as the reading proficiency of my students improved from 5% to an impressive 60%. To further encourage their growth, I introduced writing competitions every Friday, motivating them to excel in reading and writing.

Attending the regular preterm trainings provided by Teach For Uganda empowered me to nurture my students’ sense of purpose and ownership in their education. I constantly reminded them of their potential as future leaders, instilling in them a sense of confidence and goal-oriented mindset.

Now, my classroom environment has significantly improved, with students eagerly awaiting my fun-filled lessons that incorporate play-based learning, dancing, and singing. Attendance has increased remarkably, and parents commend me for my dedication and inspiration to their children, motivating them to invest in essential learning materials.

My journey with Teach For Uganda has been nothing short of transformative. It has reaffirmed my dream of becoming a teacher and inspired me to make a meaningful impact on the lives of these young learners. I am truly grateful for this opportunity to serve and be a part of a movement that believes in the power of education to change lives.

As I continue my journey, I am determined to be a problem solver, a visionary leader, and a source of inspiration for my students, empowering them to achieve their full potential. Teach For Uganda has given me the platform to live my dream and become the teacher I’ve always aspired to be. Together, we will strive for equity in education and create a brighter future for every child, regardless of their circumstances.

Naturinda Liniaus, Teach For Uganda, Cohort 5 fellow