By Denis Nsubuga
New Vision has called for the nomination of outstanding teachers in different communities across the country, for the Teachers Making a Difference (TMD) competition.
“Do you know any outstanding teacher in a Ugandan primary or secondary school? Nominate them for recognition and they stand a chance to win prizes,” reads the call.
In the annual competition, which is organised by Vision Group and sponsored by the Embassy of Ireland in Uganda, Travelcare Limited, selected teachers get national recognition and win a study trip to Ireland.
The call comes after the official launch of this year’s TMD contest which took place at the Vision Group head offices last Friday.
Officiating over the launch, education ministry permanent secretary, Ketty Lamaro called upon all teachers to participate in the competition, saying it fulfils the continuous professional development (CPD) on innovative approaches to education service delivery.
“The timing of this competition is perfect because it comes at a time when we are recovering from the impact of Covid-19 on our education system. This competition creates an opportunity to appreciate educators who are diligently and passionately support and give those children the best,” Lamaro said.
All-expenses paid trip
Since its inception in 2008, the TMD project recognises and rewards teachers who have gone beyond the call of duty and through innovation, greatly impacted their learners and the school communities. Over 120 teachers have been recognized over the years.
With over 800 entries each year, 60 teachers are profiled in the New Vision, from which 12 are selected by a panel of eminent educationists and recognized with prizes.
From the 12, the six most outstanding will go for an all-expense-paid study tour to Ireland, courtesy of the Irish Embassy and Travelcare Limited.
24 teachers have travelled to Ireland for professional development since the Embassy and Travelcare partnered on the project in 2017.
Last year’s TMD winners were announced and awarded by President Yoweri Museveni at the national celebrations of World Teachers Day at Kololo Independence Grounds.
Selection criteria
The nominees must have:
· Been a Ugandan professional teacher in a school in Uganda teaching at either primary, secondary or technical and vocational training institution
· Demonstrated exceptional innovation in keeping learners engaged during the COVID-19 lockdown and school closures and mobilised learners to return to school
· Have mobilized the communities to take their children to school
· Have demonstrated innovation in the use of limited resources to deliver quality education
· Is promoting vocational and life skills education
· Actively participating in co-curricular activities
· Been a person of impeccable integrity
· Have gone beyond the call of duty to deliver the curriculum or support education
Nomination
Send your nominations by July 31, 2023, to mwalimu@newvision.co.ug, SMS or WhatsApp to 0770474195 or send a direct message to the New Vision Twitter handle (@newvisionwire).
