November 28, 2024 (Entebbe, Uganda): The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has launched a National Dialogue on Teacher Professional Development for Quality Education in Entebbe, Uganda.
The objectives of the workshop are:
- To create a shared understanding of the importance of continuous professional teacher development at all levels in Uganda.
- To agree on the modalities for a regional teacher training programme.
- To mobilise support from national partners and stakeholders for teacher training initiatives.
Dr Victoria Anib, Head of the Social Development Unit at IGAD, speaking on behalf of Madam Fathia Alwan, Director of the Health and Social Development Division, noted that the IGAD Teacher Training Initiative has generated significant interest among member states and stakeholders. IGAD remains committed to sustaining and expanding this initiative while actively promoting teacher professional development at national, regional, and international levels.
“Continuous professional development is the cornerstone of teacher training,” Dr Anib stressed, adding that empowering teachers with the necessary skills, knowledge, and pedagogical strategies is critical to meeting diverse learning needs and improving educational outcomes.
Ms Caroline N. Kavuma, Academic Registrar Designate of the Uganda National Institute for Teacher Education, highlighted IGAD’s unique approach to equipping teachers with psychosocial skills. She explained that these skills foster harmony and resilience among refugees and host communities.
“We support IGAD’s call for African synergies and are committed to ensuring that Uganda’s teachers achieve global standards, enabling them to serve beyond our borders,” Ms Kavuma said.
She also acknowledged the Ugandan government’s strong support for relief agencies providing services to refugees and thanked IGAD for its significant contributions to promoting education in Uganda.
“Teachers play an invaluable role in education provision and are the single most important component in nurturing and supporting children to achieve their dreams,” she emphasised.
Dr Kebede Kassa Tsegaye, Senior Coordinator for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation at IGAD, reflected on the progress made since the adoption of the Djibouti Declaration in December 2017. He highlighted key achievements, including:
- The IGAD Teacher Training Initiative.
- The IGAD Council of Higher Education.
- The IGAD Regional Scholarship Programme.
- The IGAD Regional Qualifications Framework.
- The IGAD Monitoring and Evaluation Framework.
Dr Kebede stressed the importance of these initiatives in enhancing teacher professional development and strengthening regional education systems.
The workshop brought together representatives from the Ugandan Government, including officials from the Ministry of Education and Sports, the Commissioner for Teacher Education and Development, the National Curriculum Development Centre, and primary and secondary school teachers. Stakeholders, including representatives from refugee communities and partner organisations involved in teacher training, also participated.
Participants noted that 755 teachers had been trained under the IGAD Teacher Training Initiative across Ethiopia, Sudan, and Uganda. These countries were selected based on their commitment to implementing the Djibouti Declaration through multi-year costed action plans.
The workshop achieved the following:
- Strengthened collaboration among stakeholders and partners.
- A shared understanding of the importance of teacher professional development.
- Agreement on the way forward for the IGAD Teacher Training Initiative.
The IGAD Teacher Training Initiative was launched in 2020/2021, with training commencing in February 2021 and concluding in November 2022. The programme was supported by the Government of Germany through GIZ.
The IGAD Education Programme is mandated by the Djibouti Declaration and Plan of Action, adopted in December 2017. This mandate has driven the development and implementation of strategic interventions to improve education quality and support displaced populations in the region.
The workshop’s budget was financed by GIZ, further demonstrating the commitment of international partners to advancing education goals in the IGAD region.
