PlayMatters joined government officials, teachers and the community in Kyegegwa District, western Uganda to celebrate World Teachers' Day on October 6, under the theme, "Valuing Teacher Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education”. Hosted at Humura Primary School, the event drew over 400 dedicated teachers, who began their day with a march accompanied by a brass band, through the town to highlight the importance of educators in society.

Acknowledging Teacher Dedication

The celebration kicked off with warm words from Moses Nuwamanya, the head teacher of Humura Primary School. He commended the unwavering dedication of teachers, saying, “I commend teachers for being self-driven and smart both in the physical and in mind.” His appreciation set a positive tone for the day, emphasizing the essential role teachers play in shaping the minds of children and future generations.

Samuel Alinde, the deputy headteacher of Bukere Primary School, also expressed his gratitude to the PlayMatters project. He highlighted its significant impact on enhancing teaching and learning in the district. “PlayMatters has introduced play-based strategies that have motivated not only teachers but also learners, ultimately improving academic standards,” Alinde noted. His remarks underscored the importance of innovative teaching methods in fostering a love for learning.

The Call for Policy Change

District Education Officer, Hussein Mwesige, took the opportunity to advocate for teachers, describing them as the cornerstone of the education system. He urged the government to heed teachers' voices when shaping policies that support their professional growth. “We should appreciate ourselves, refresh, research, adapt, and adopt to ensure that new mechanisms align with emerging societal issues,” he advised. Mwesige’s message resonated with the audience, emphasizing the need for teachers to remain informed and creative to tackle the challenges of the 21st Century.

Recognizing Teachers in Crisis Contexts

Martin Omukuba, Project Director of PlayMatters, and the event’s guest speaker, passionately highlighted the dedication of teachers working in challenging environments, including Kyegegwa. “Teachers work tirelessly, often under difficult conditions, to provide quality education to all learners,” he said. Omukuba acknowledged the obstacles educators face, such as overcrowded classrooms and limited resources, and reaffirmed PlayMatters’ commitment to supporting teachers. The project focuses on equipping educators with the tools and knowledge to incorporate play-based learning into their teaching, thereby enhancing the overall educational experience.

Honoring Outstanding Contributions

The celebrations concluded with an inspiring recognition ceremony led by Flavia Rwabuhoro Kabahenda, the area Woman Member of Parliament. She honored exceptional teachers, implementing organizations, and key figures for their invaluable contributions to the education sector. This moment served as a strong reminder of the critical role teachers play in shaping the future and the importance of continuing to support their efforts.

PlayMatters Celebrates, Supports Teachers

With the increasing need to support teachers in their practice and children’s learning outcomes, the PlayMatters project implemented in Uganda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia supports teachers to enhance their skills through the Teacher Continuous Professional Development (TCPD) ensuring they stay updated with best practices and educational advancements through Learning through Play (LtP). Through workshops, seminars, and peer collaborations focusing on integrating play-based learning methodologies into curricula, teachers learn innovative methods to engage students through play, fostering critical thinking and social skills.

And teachers have transformed their teaching practices. They now utilize interactive and inclusive teaching methods, making learning playful, joyful, and actively engaging. This shift has significantly enhanced students’ engagement and love for learning.

“I am proud of being a teacher because of the skills I have gained. I can make materials to use, and I changed the way I handle learners. I wish for my children in future to become important people like teachers, doctors, even president,” Godard Turinamwe, a caregiver at Kyamagabo ECD, Kyaka II Refugee Settlement.

PlayMatters initiatives extend beyond classroom impact. By promoting a supportive environment and holistic teacher wellbeing, TCPD addresses burnout and stress. Teachers report feeling more motivated and competent, leading to improved job satisfaction and retention rates. This speaks to how the project not only elevates educational outcomes but also strengthens resilience among teachers. This holistic approach ensures sustainable development and empowers teachers to nurture the next generation effectively.  

“Teachers need to take advantage of professional development opportunities whether those being face to face or online or through mixed modalities to strengthen their practice towards delivering quality education to children despite the challenges they face,” says Anne Smiley, Deputy Project Director, Research and Technical, PlayMatters.

PlayMatters is working with teachers to build their skills and motivations to integrate these methods in the classroom through the following ways:

• Training teachers on Learning through Play.
• Providing continuous Teacher Professional Development.
• Creating multimedia distance learning courses for teachers.
• Working with Ministries of Education to incorporate Learning through Play in the curriculum and education service delivery.

The World Teachers' Day celebrations in Kyegegwa were a testament to the resilience and dedication of educators. As the community gathered to honour their teachers, it became clear that valuing teacher voices and advocating for their needs is essential for fostering a robust education system.