A FELLOW'S LEADERSHIP SKILLS ARE IMPARTED TO STUDENTS!!!!

Right from primary, I yearned to be a leader so that I could enjoy prefectorial privileges like being driven in the school shuttle on special days and eat great meals, among others of course. I exhibited proactivity and enthusiasm for being a prefect even in secondary level, but I failed consistently that I often considered myself hated by other students.

However, my passion for leadership didn't wane, so while at Kyambogo University, I managed to lead a number of group works/activities and also captained the football team. Those experiences restored my hope and confidence to be the leader that I had always craved to be.

In my final year at campus while pursuing my Bachelor's Degree in Development Studies, I applied for the Teach for Uganda fellowship - captivated by the organization's statement, "… to nurture leaders who are committed to advancing equitable education in low-income communities...." Given the fact that I am ambitious, I passed the interviews despite the rigorous and arduous stages.

The fellowship has enabled me to grow tremendously as a leader, because, besides teaching my primary one learners in Nabuganyi R/C Primary School in Kayunga district, I am eagerly playing instrumental leadership roles both in the school and within the community so as to actuate transformation. In my class, besides introducing new ideas and building teamwork, I am strengthening my learners' public speaking skills and that of the entire school. I am so excited since the headteacher appointed me the teacher in-charge of projects, and soon, together with the other teachers, we shall come up with a school project. At class level, collaborative teaching has greatly impacted on my personal growth as my co-teacher and I share our work almost all the time.

" I am eagerly playing instrumental leadership roles both in the school and within the community so as to actuate transformation..."

I smoothly ran my duty for first term with the assistance of a teacher called Mr. Nyanzi. I strategically involved the prefect’s body, and duty roles were evenly allocated to different classes on particular days of the week. This made general cleanliness a huge success. I organized a session on menstrual hygiene management for girls from primary four up to primary seven that same week and later wrote and submitted its report to the school administrators.

I have improved a lot in time management as it is a routine for me to do home visits most afternoons on leaving school. I move long distances with different pupils to their respective homesteads along scary and bushy routes. This has boosted my community engagement skills and communication skills as I interact with parents and guardians on a number of issues concerning their children's education. Since I am always welcomed with gratitude and joy in different homesteads, the number of my learners increases almost every day. I believe that I am a big inspiration to my learners and other children within the community.

Nowadays, I don't hesitate whenever I have a challenge or concern. I take action instead of waiting for my coach to push me around. This is because it's quite empowering for me to take lead, and offer feedback to my coach. That is what leadership is all about, making people and situations better and ensuring that impacts last even in the leader’s absence.

 

Muwanguzi Arnold Zion

Teach For Uganda Fellow

Cohort 5

Nabuganyi R/C primary school.

Kayunga District.