Longira Secondary School might be new, but it’s already making its mark. Tucked away in Koboko District in Uganda’s West Nile Region, the school began STirEducation’s Teacher Change Maker Development Programme for secondary schools not long ago and it’s already seeing big results.
At the heart of it all is Head Teacher Ms Bako Mustapha. She’s not just a school leader; she’s also a District Education Leader (DEL) and a passionate champion for the programme.
When asked about the programme’s impact, Ms Bako can’t help but smile.
“I’m so grateful for this programme. I only wish we’d started earlier – but better late than never. It has made my work so much easier as a head teacher. So much has changed in my school.”
She’s quick to thank those who helped get things going in Koboko, Mr Rashid Anguzu (DEL and Head Teacher of Arua SS) and Mr Ija Denis (DEL Arua City and Careers Master of Muni Girls SS) for supporting the launch at St Charles Lwanga College School, as well as the Chairperson of ASSHU in Koboko and fellow head teachers who embraced the idea from day one.
Since then, head teachers across the district have been running network meetings in their schools and carrying out classroom observations. It’s all added up to impressive progress – Koboko now ranks high regionally for completing and logging activities.
One Story That Stands Out
For Ms Bako, one particular incident captures the spirit of the programme.
A new English teacher had joined the school. Right from the start, she struggled to build trust with her class – the students rejected her and even gave her unkind nicknames. Matters became worse when she developed a very poor relationship with one boy in particular, which she later admitted she had found difficult to handle. This strained relationship further alienated her from the rest of the class.
It was a clear case of a damaged teacher–learner relationship, and Ms Bako knew she had to act quickly to make the classroom safe and respectful again. Thanks to the STir’s programme , she had clear strategies to follow.
She talked the situation through with the teacher, focusing on building positive relationships. The teacher took it to heart – so much so that she later led a teacher network meeting, sharing her experience and helping others see how these strategies could turn things around in their own classrooms.
More Than Just One Success Story
This is only one example of the changes Ms Bako has seen since the programme began. She’s noticed:
- Better discipline across the school
- Stronger, more respectful relationships between learners and teachers
- A cleaner, more welcoming school compound
- Greater teamwork among staff
Looking Ahead
Ms Bako is confident about whereSTiR’s programme can take Longira Secondary School.
“I’m proud to be part of the Teacher Change Maker Development Programme. The changes I’ve seen give me real hope for the future.”
It’s proof that with the right support, schools can change – not just in how they run, but in how teachers and students feel when they walk through the gates every day.
