Staff Training with Raising Voices

In Africa, caning is a common method of discipline, at home and at school. Violence is used to frighten a child into submission. Even though corporal punishment has been outlawed by the Ugandan government, it is still ubiquitous. During a two-day teacher training, provided to the teachers of Mwebaza and St. Paul Schools by the Mwebaza Foundation, teachers shared their experiences with caning from their childhoods, and discussed their resulting feelings and actions. The moderator and presenter, Mr. Aggrey from the Ugandan nonprofit, Raising Voices, placed signs on the floor that read "Agree," "Disagree," and "Not Sure."  He then asked a question such as, "Corporal punishment is OK when used as a last resort for poor behavior."  Each teacher at the training went and stood by the statement on the floor that best aligned with his or her understanding or beliefs. And then the teachers were encouraged to explain their viewpoints. Lively debates ensued.

After a thoughtful discussion about why violence may result in compliance, but does not really change a child's understanding or motivation, Mr. Aggrey presented the staff with numerous examples of how to motivate behavior in a positive way without using violence or shame. The staff contributed many examples of their own.




The training also covered such topics as gender equality and balance in the classroom and effective school governance structures.


The training, held at a hotel in Kyengera, was well received by the staff, many who asked if such a training could be provided every year. Professional development is so necessary for any teacher, but the opportunities to receive such training are rare here.  Because of a generous donation to the Mwebaza Foundation by a Colorado family,  18 teachers in Uganda are now better equipped to guide their young students in a positive way.



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