River Flow International has led a transformative hands-on workshop at Buwanda Primary School in Masafu Town Council, Busia District, Uganda, equipping dozens of teachers with skills to harness Primary Science Kits for learner-centered teaching.
The session shifted educators from rote explanations to interactive demonstrations, covering the human eye, digestive system, reproduction, mental health, and magnetism using kit materials like thermometers, circuits, and magnets.
Mr. Nebert Nagaba, the Science Outreach Officer from River Flow International guided participants through real-world applications.
"Get water, put here and do what? Boil," one demo prompted, as teachers connected circuits to see bulbs light up, confirming metal conductors of heat and electricity.
Magnet repulsion came alive: "Here I'm holding south, I'm holding north, now it means repulsion," proving abstract concepts visually.
Teachers experimented with thermometers showing temperature drops and examined fuses and three-way switches inside quartz bulbs, demystifying "magic" for classroom replication.
Susan Nabwire , a teacher from Bukobe Primary School in Illumino sub-county, pledged a shift: "I've been using teacher-centered methods, but now I'll use practical, learner-centered ones like today." She thanked the Ministry of Education, district officials, and River Flow for the kits.
George Modiango Cosmas, head teacher at Namasyolo Primary School in Yanga sub-county, Busia District, admitted past misuse.
"We picked items randomly without criteria." Now trained, he anticipates touch-based learning: "Thanks to the Ministry and River Flow for these practical kits."
Magero Camilita of host Buwanda Primary School hailed the "ROTE method" upgrade.
"We received kits earlier but lacked knowledge now it's hands-on realism."
She praised the Minister, DEO, inspectors, and River Flow International for making lessons tangible.
Gilberto Ojiambo, head teacher at Bunyinde Primary School, spotlighted tools like rulers, measuring cylinders, and beakers.
"We've moved from teacher-centered to child-centered methods for simpler teaching."
He urged head teachers to facilitate staff rollout.
Building on Proven Success
This Busia workshop extends River Flow International's role in Uganda's phased science kit rollout, now in over 2,000 schools since 2021. Echoing Hima Primary School's gains, where first-grade PLE passes doubled post-2024 kits, trainings foster curiosity and retention.
Participants lauded government-River Flow partnerships, vowing to replicate demos for better pupil grasp. As one teacher noted, "Learners don't believe charts, they need to see and touch."
With Busia Stories and Art documenting the energy, the event underscores science education's primary foundation. Educators now carry tools to ignite creativity, creativity, and problem-solving, urging nationwide expansion to nurture future innovators.
