In the Kasese district, tucked away in a lively secondary school, you’ll find Agatha—a teacher whose story is quietly inspiring change. A passionate Geography teacher and class mentor for Senior 4 and Senior 6, Agatha’s journey is one of perseverance, discovery, and transformation.
Just a year ago, things looked very different.
“Teaching was a struggle. t felt like I was speaking into a void. Students were restless, constantly distracted, and asking to leave class. The grades reflected that disconnection—Geography was the worst-performing subject. Most of them barely managed to passor failed entirely,” said Agatha.
She had heard about the Teacher Change Maker Development Programme, but hadn’t paid much attention. “I didn’t really feel the need to join,” she says. That was until early 2023, when she finally decided to connect with her school’s teacher network and explore the programme’s ideas. What she found was a game-changer.
“I learned about the Growth Mindset and some really practical student assessment strategies. Simple techniques like ‘thumbs up/thumbs down,’ ‘turn and talk,’ and ‘think-pair-share’ helped me involve every student in the lesson,” she expressed.
The shift was immediate—and powerful.
Her classroom began to transform. Students who once tuned out were now engaged, eager to participate, and starting to take real interest in their learning. In their most recent exams, Geography results saw an incredible jump. The lowest score? A Credit 6. And her school rose to third place in the district rankings.
“I’m so proud,” Agatha says, smiling. “Seeing my students do well—it’s the best feeling. And I know it wouldn’t have happened without the Change Maker Program and the support from my peers.”
Agatha’s story is a reminder of what’s possible when teachers are equipped with the right tools and a supportive community. It’s not just about teaching techniques—it’s about believing in growth, in change, and in every student’s potential.
If there’s one thing she’s learned, it’s this: transformation doesn’t happen overnight, but with the right mindset and strategies, it absolutely can. And it starts with one teacher daring to try something new.
