Thirty-five headteachers and deputy heads from various towns in Uganda have been awarded a Diploma in Educational Leadership and Management (DELM) offered by the Aga Khan University's Institute for Educational Development, East Africa (IED EA), in partnership with Muni University. The participants were from Yumbe, Koboko, Arua District and Arua City. DELM is an 18-month course fully sponsored by the Foundation for Learning (F4L) project with a first cohort of 108 school leaders from Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya.
Marking a significant milestone, the graduates completed nine intensive modules, honing their leadership skills in areas such as gender, leadership, resource mobilization, entrepreneurship, environmental education, and action research. The expertise they acquired equips them to transform education in Uganda, fostering efficient and adaptable institutions that meet the challenges of the 21st century.
Professor Jane Rarieya, Dean of the Institute of Institute of Educational Development (IED-EA), emphasized the importance of gender equity, diversity, inclusion, and instructional leadership in the graduates' future endeavors. She commended their dedication and perseverance throughout the programme. “As you prepare to fully re-engage in your leadership roles, I would like to reflect on the core principles of promoting: gender equity, embracing diversity, fostering inclusion, and championing instructional leadership. I hope that these principles will guide your leadership moving forward," she said.
The ceremony featured presentations by the graduates, showcasing their e-portfolios which highlight innovative solutions to address key challenges within their schools, such as childhood pregnancies, communications, resource mobilization, and ICT integration. Chief Guest Raymond Ombere, City Education Officer of Arua City, expressed gratitude to the participants for their commitment and the positive impact of AKU's interventions in the West Nile region. He acknowledged the participants' dedication to the programme and emphasized the importance of continued application of their newly acquired knowledge and skills.
The strong partnership between IED EA and Muni University is instrumental in enhancing leadership capacities in the region. The sustainable design of the programme not only improves school management but also creates lasting change in the overall educational landscape of Uganda. This collaboration underscores a broader commitment to advancing education in East Africa through professional development, ensuring that educators are well-prepared to address real-world challenges.
Professor Simon Anguma, Vice Chancellor of Muni University, commended the faculty of both Muni and AKU for their diligence and the effective implementation of the blended learning approach. He highlighted the benefits of the unique teaching and learning techniques employed by AKU faculty. “The adoption of a blended learning approach aided the successful and timely completion of the content," he said. “I believe that our staff benefited from the unique teaching and learning techniques employed by AKU faculty. I commend the faculty of both Muni University and AKU for their diligence in the implementation and follow-up support rendered to the DELM students."
As the graduates return to their respective schools, they are poised to implement their newly acquired skills and knowledge. Their leadership will be instrumental in creating inclusive, safe, and forward-thinking learning environments that address the needs of their communities. Through this initiative, IED EA and its partners continue to support the sustainable development of education in Uganda, empowering leaders to drive positive change and shape the future of education in the country.
