Empowering Educators: Joselyn Atyang's Mission in Uganda's Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement

In Uganda's Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement, many children dream of a brighter future against challenging odds. One beacon of hope is Joselyn Atyang, headteacher of Bidong Primary School. Leading a diverse community of over 2,500 learners – including 1,500 refugee children – Joselyn is dedicated to harnessing the transformative potential of education. Her leadership is not just about managing a school; it's about fostering growth, stability, and opportunity in the lives of vulnerable children.

The Power of Education

Joselyn underscores the significance of education as a tool for transformative change. "Seeing children happy and learning, progressing from lower to upper primary and achieving success in life, is what I cherish most," she shares. With her commitment to quality education, Joselyn embodies the spirit of resilience and hope amidst the backdrop of a refugee crisis.

Over the past few years, Joselyn has received extensive support through an Education Cannot Wait (ECW)-funded program, in collaboration with Save the Children and UNHCR. This initiative aims to improve the educational outcomes for refugee and host community children by enhancing the skillset of educators and addressing the challenges faced in crisis situations.

Strengthening Educator Support

One of the critical aspects of this ECW-funded initiative is a renewed focus on professional development, mental well-being, and creating safe school environments. Joselyn recalls how vital the training has been: "The ECW-supported initiative has trained teachers in managing classrooms effectively, providing us with the confidence to engage our students in meaningful ways."

Before the program's inception, many educators found it challenging to teach in such stressful conditions, leading to high turnover rates. However, with the new support mechanisms in place, teachers are equipped with tools and training to enhance their teaching practices, ensuring that they stay, thrive, and positively impact their students.

A Lifelong Commitment to Education

Joselyn started her teaching journey over twenty years ago. Inspired by her father's encouragement, she developed a passion for nurturing young minds. Originally aspiring to be a nurse, her father emphasized the enduring nature of knowledge and education, guiding her toward a path she now embraces wholeheartedly. "I love training children to be like me. I enjoy working with kids," she expresses.

Since becoming headteacher at Bidong Primary School in 2016, Joselyn has emphasized collaboration among educators. "Teaching is not a one-person job," she affirms, highlighting the necessity of teamwork to improve educational outcomes. Despite facing various challenges as a woman in a leadership role, her motivation to support her students and faculty remains unwavering.

Addressing Uganda's Education Crisis

Uganda is currently grappling with an ongoing refugee crisis, hosting approximately 1.8 million refugees from several countries, primarily South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This influx presents numerous challenges for educators like Joselyn, including overcrowded classrooms and resource shortages. "We keep enrolling refugees at any time of the term, which leads to challenging learning environments," she explains.

The critical lack of essential resources, such as desks and adequate sanitation facilities for girls, coupled with language barriers, further complicates the educational landscape. However, initiatives supported by ECW are making significant strides to create inclusive learning environments. Through clubs focused on debate, peace, and nutrition, the Bidong Primary School aims to enrich students' experiences, despite these challenges.

Future Aspirations

Joselyn envisions a secure and resourceful future for her students, advocating for better facilities such as fencing around the school and a kitchen to provide meals. Her indomitable spirit reflects a broader commitment to nurturing future generations in one of the world's most complex educational crises. With continued investments from ECW, Save the Children, and UNHCR, she is shaping a future where education is not just a privilege but a right for every child, regardless of circumstance.

A Call for Support

As Joselyn continues her impactful work at Bidong Primary School, she stands as a testament to the immense power of dedicated educators during crises. To sustain this momentum, ongoing support, investments, and resources are vital to ensuring that educators like Joselyn can carry on this indispensable work. Education in Kiryandongo offers not only knowledge but hope, resilience, and a path toward a better future for countless children.

In their response, organizations and individuals, both local and international, must rally together to uphold these initiatives that strive to build a brighter tomorrow for all students, proving that education can be the foundation for lasting change. By supporting educators and listening to their needs, we empower every child to dream and achieve, regardless of their life circumstances.