Teaching STEM in Uganda, an indelible memory

August 14, 2013

I recently returned from an enlightening excursion to Uganda. I spent 3 wonderfully filled weeks in Gulu, a city 6 hours north of the capital, Kampala. My purpose for the trip was to teach STEM and Leadership to girls enrolled at Gulu High school, the second oldest school in the entire country. What made my trip even more significant was the connection this institution shares with ours: Both are celebrating a centennial of impacting lives through service. What an honor to have participated in dual centennial celebrations. I tell you, turning 100 never looked so good!

As an educator, I am passionate about the work I do to impart knowledge on the lives of future generations. More than just “teach”, I aim to inspire them to be bold, take charge, make decisions, and more importantly, impact society to advance us all. I carried that same spirit with me to Uganda, and connected instantly with my students. My classes consisted of 25 energetic, and eager-to-learn young women who were on the verge of a new journey. I say ‘new’ in the sense that they are aware of a global need for change, but struggled to find a way to bring the importance and significance of their role in the change. Enter JS!

STEM is crucial for global advancement. We are at the crossroads of taking next steps toward that journey. My work at Hockaday changes each day, as we bring in new ways to deliver lessons, through prezis and tablets, guest lectures and TED talks. In Africa, where I was situated, none of this is an option. They are primed for new initiatives, technology, and growth and most importantly, they are eager and capable of learning and leading.

What so many know and accept as their truth is the education systems of the “Global North” (i.e. here in North America) don’t do a good job at teaching students about how the world exists in its entirety. We in the United States tend to rely on stereotypes that uniformly categorize “developing” countries around the world as poor, miserable and disastrous. I spent the summer of 2013 in Gulu, Uganda, a space that is closest to the equator, but couldn’t be farther from different in 100 ways. Yet, this small, yet thriving community of self-sufficient entrepreneurs was richer in life, liberty and the freedom to be happy. These basic liberties are often sacrificed in developing countries. But here, you will find a community of progressive individuals who are making strides to an influencing factor in their countries economical and educational systems. I was privileged to be part of their process, and what an honor!

I know what I did there was important. Each day, my lessons included relevant science and applicable activities they could carry beyond the class day. I wanted them to know that science is not just a class – it’s an everyday experience that can engage and enlighten you. It was not without challenges, however. Although they speak English, it is a second language. Many of the students speak their native tongue of Acholi. So, often, there was a slight language barrier. But we managed – I came to learn more patience, and became adept at learning a few local words.

My time there was short. There was so much more I wanted to do. I could teach science all day! But, I am happy to have had the experience. I planted seeds, and I hope bring water each year to add to the students’ growth. Teaching chemistry, science education and leadership, was a good start. As you know, being a teacher allows us to ‘touch’ the future – our students. Now, we must ‘water’ those seeds of diversity through STEM and global awareness using partnerships to ‘fertilize’ the next season of generations to follow. What I did beyond being a chemistry instructor was to help them understand how to problem solve through collaboration. As we understand, a group/team often develops better and more complete solutions than individuals. Through experimentation I helped them design and execute investigations to collect and analyze data.

You see, science requires creative human endeavor. We know human curiosity sparks scientific exploration as each discover generates new questions. I was beyond blessed to have had the experience. I made new friends, new connections, new thoughts, and new ways of seeing the world. Beyond all the science I taught, and the lessons I learned, what touched me the most, was the fact that for all the students I worked with – those enrolled in my classes and the adults who were employed at the school – I was the first, THE FIRST, black, African-American person they had ever seen. This alone was worth every misfortune that befell me during my stay. That touched my soul, and makes me want to continue my work I do internationally. I’ve included several pictures and captions for your review. I’m happy to talk with you further.

– Click photos below to enlarge-