JM Education and Research Centre (JMERC) recently conducted two successful Training of Trainers (TOT) sessions in Bugiri and Tororo districts, Eastern Uganda. The trainings, held on May 19-20 and May 21-22, 2024, aimed to equip secondary school teachers with the knowledge and skills to deliver the REASEL Programme’s social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum to adolescents.

A total of 93 teachers (57 males, 36 females) from 35 secondary schools (in the two districts) participated in the trainings, which covered key competencies in self-awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. The trainers, Daniel Angulu and Yonah Erobu from JMERC, used interactive lectures, group discussions, role-playing, and lesson demonstrations to engage participants.

The trainings yielded impressive results, with all participants demonstrating a thorough understanding of the six core SEL competencies and a significant majority showcasing their ability to apply facilitation techniques. Participants provided overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many expressing high praise for the training’s usefulness in their teaching practice.

A Step Forward for Uganda’s Education System

The REASEL Programme’s focus on social-emotional learning is crucial for Uganda’s education system, as emphasised by Tororo District Senior Education Officer Madam Catherine Akongo and Bugiri District Inspector of Schools Mr. Nkwanga Mohammed. By empowering teachers to deliver this programme, JMERC is taking a significant step towards fostering resilient and emotionally intelligent adolescents in Eastern Uganda.

With these successful trainings, JMERC is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of students in Eastern Uganda. As the organisation continues to implement the REASEL Programme, it is clear that the benefits of social-emotional learning will be felt for years to come.