SCHOOL ENGAGEMENT DOCUMENT

Implementation of Pupil-Focused Activities in Ugandan Primary Schools

Prepared by: Bridge Builders Uganda and Ewan McVicar of Gallus Productions

Date: July 2025 Contact: bridgebuildersugandaa@gmail.com | +256 752 811 880/0788725954

1. ART AND CRAFT MAKING CLUB IN SCHOOLS

Introduction

Art and craft activities are important in helping children learn how to be creative, use their hands, and work together as a team. In this program, pupils will be supported to use local materials like banana fibres, clay, papyrus, straws, used paper, bottle tops, sticks, and beads to make different crafts and art pieces. A special Art and Craft Club will be created in each participating school to help Organise and support the pupils easily.

Why This Activity is Important for Pupils

• Improves creativity and imagination: Pupils will learn to think in new ways and use what is around them to create something beautiful.

• Develops practical skills: Children will gain skills in using tools and materials like glue, scissors, string, and natural dyes.

• Builds confidence and teamwork: Pupils will work in groups to create projects and present them to others, boosting their self-esteem.

• Preserves culture: The children will also be encouraged to create items that reflect their culture and traditions, which keeps our heritage alive.

How the Activity Will Be Done

• Formation of the Art and Craft Club: Each school will select a patron (teacher) and register interested pupils from P3 to P7.

• Training Sessions: Skilled local artisans or teachers will train the children in different crafts, including weaving, drawing, model making, and making ornaments.

• Weekly Practice: Pupils will meet every week during club time to practice their skills and work on their projects.

• Exhibitions and Showcases: At the end of the term, the pupils’ work will be displayed in school for teachers, parents, and visitors to see and appreciate.

• Competition and Motivation: Simple awards and recognition will be given to the most active and creative pupils to encourage more participation.

Expected Outcomes

Pupils will gain new skills in art and craft.

• The schools will have beautiful art items for decoration or fundraising.

• Children will become more confident, creative, and engaged in learning.

• The clubs will provide a safe and enjoyable environment for co-curricular development.

• Parents and communities will become more involved in school activities through exhibitions.

2. RHYMES IN LOCAL LANGUAGES, ENGLISH, SCOTISH TRANSLATION

Introduction

Language is a powerful way of expressing culture, history, and creativity. In this activity, school pupils will be guided to create rhymes in their local languages (e.g., Luganda, Lusoga, Runyankore, Acholi) among others and then translate them into English. These rhymes will be shared with a partner school in the United Kingdom to promote cultural exchange and friendship between the children.

Why This Activity is Important for Pupils

• Promotes literacy and language development: Pupils improve their reading, writing, and speaking skills in both local languages and English.

• Encourages creativity and critical thinking: Pupils will think about the message, structure, and meaning of rhymes.

• Builds cultural pride and identity: Writing rhymes in their local language helps children feel proud of their heritage.

• Fosters global friendship: Sharing these rhymes with pupils in the UK builds international friendship and respect.

How the Activity Will Be Done

• Introduction of the Rhymes Club: Schools will create a small language and literature club made up of pupils interested in writing and performing rhymes.

Training and Guidance: Teachers will guide the children on how to write rhymes, focusing on themes like family, nature, school, health, and community.

• Translation Process: Pupils will work with teachers or trainers and parents to translate their local rhymes into English while maintaining the original meaning.

• Recording and Sharing: The rhymes will be written in books or recorded on audio, and shared with the UK partner school through email or physical mailing.

• Feedback and Exchange: The UK pupils will also write and send rhymes which Ugandan pupils can read and learn from.

Expected Outcomes

• Pupils will improve their writing and communication skills.

• The use of local languages in education will be strengthened.

• Children will become proud of their language and culture.

• Friendships will be built between Ugandan and UK schools.

• Schools will create creative rhyme books that can be used for reading and fun learning.

3. SCHOOL-BASED HEALTHCARE EDUCATION AND REFERRALS

Introduction

Many school-going children suffer from preventable diseases because of lack of knowledge and access to health services. This activity will involve educating pupils on key health issues like hygiene, nutrition, disease prevention, and mental wellness. Pupils will also be supported to undergo simple health checks, and where needed, referred to nearby government health centres for further treatment or counselling.

Why This Activity is Important for Pupils

• Improves health knowledge: Pupils will learn how to care for their own health and hygiene, including brushing teeth, handwashing, and proper nutrition.

Prevents diseases: Early education can help reduce the spread of infections like malaria, worms, coughs, and skin diseases in schools.

• Supports early diagnosis and treatment: Some children may have silent health issues which can be detected early and referred for medical care.

• Encourages positive health behaviour: Pupils will learn good health habits that can last a lifetime.

How the Activity Will Be Done

• Health Education Sessions: Health workers or trained teachers will visit schools to give talks, skits, and lessons on hygiene, nutrition, mental health, and common illnesses.

• Simple Health Screening: Pupils will be helped to check things like temperature, weight, eyesight, and skin conditions using simple tools.

• Referrals: Pupils with suspected health problems will be given a referral letter to take to the nearest government health centre or hospital.

• Parent Engagement: Parents will be informed about the results of the screening and encouraged to take their children for treatment.

• Hygiene Promotion Materials: Posters and handouts on health practices will be given to pupils and displayed in the school compound.

Expected Outcomes

• Pupils will become more aware of their health and hygiene.

• Sick children will be helped to get early treatment.

• The school environment will become healthier and cleaner.

• Parents and schools will work together to improve pupil health.

• The number of health-related absenteeism cases will reduce.