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THE TEACHER EXCHANGE PROGRAM
Summer 2008: Selection Complete
Summer 2009: Applications Available Next Year
Teacher Exchange - an initiative under the Schools for Schools umbrella - allows educators to volunteer in northern Ugandan through a six-week summer program. Created to enhance present educational models and to establish long-term learning opportunities for both western and Ugandan teachers. Educators engage in team teaching, information sharing, and skill building conferences - all with the purpose of generating collaboration among teachers from around the world.
Invisible Children developed Teacher Exchange to bring Uganda classrooms to a competitive standard from the inside out. Teachers in Uganda often receive limited training and there are very few opportunities for personal and professional development. Ugandan classrooms are characterized by huge student numbers and complicated by a lack of space, a lack of furniture, a lack of textbooks and resources. As the Schools for Schools Program works to address problems with space and supplies, Teacher Exchange provides a dynamic opportunity to boost the morale and build the capacity of Ugandan teachers.
SEE THE IMPACT - WORDS FROM TEACHERS IN THE PROGRAM
“My greatest inspiration has been learning to do things differently through team teaching. My students’ confidence in me has risen and I now see myself as a global teacher.”
— Okidi George, Awere Secondary School
“During the program, opportunities for cultural exchange gave me exposure to look at the world from a wider dimension and a sense of acceptance. I was also able to share my experiences in the war with someone who was always there to listen and this gave me great relief. I felt honored to be chosen to participate.”
— Abwot Helen, Gulu High School
"I definitely believe that I learned more from my Ugandan students and my co-teacher Irene than I think they will ever learn from me. I joined their community as the outsider and they welcomed me with open arms. I was constantly learning new facts about the students, their culture and different teaching strategies on a daily basis. It is not an easy task to teach one hundred and twenty two 12-year old girls, but Ugandan teachers make it possible and that is something I truly admire. They astounded me how they creatively stretched their resources and managed to do accelerated work, despite their lack of resources. The students, teachers and the school as a whole is an inspiration!"
--Margot Fitzsimmons, American Teacher
We have developed a free, downloadable curriculum available for anyone wanting to further illuminate the “dark continent” of Africa. The curriculum includes three weeks worth of lessons that can be used independently, or as three one-week units. We believe our curriculum, when coupled with the film, will aid teachers’ efforts in creating a generation of life-long, globally aware learners.
