May 15, 2009
Ugandan Teachers Share Perspectives On Education
The vast irrigation system here in Imperial County is something many Valley residents may take for granted, but for two visitors from Uganda who spent most of this week here, it is a miracle.For Benedict Nsana and Gilbert Kansiime, the fact that agricultural riches sprout from the desert here is something they can't quite believe.
The two men are part of a team of four people who were here as part of an exchange program sponsored by the Rotary chapter that includes the Rotary Club of El Centro. They toured schools, spoke with students and teachers, and got a taste of life in the Imperial Valley
Gilbert Kansiime (L) and Benedict Nsana at El Centro Rotary Club meeting
“In the Imperial Valley the most impressive thing is how you have transformed a desert into a green belt, into a productive area, and into economic productivity. I think we've been amazed by the different agricultural activities, and the different water canals,” said Kansiime. Kansiime said parts of northern Uganda are semi-arid. Access to fresh water is a challenge in parts of the region, and canals such as the ones that exist here would have a major impact in his homeland.
Nsana and Kansiime are both teachers. Kansiime teaches at Kampala International University in the Ugandan capitol, and Nsana is a high school teacher in Kampala.
Nsana noted the marked difference between the two countries in educational priorities.
“The biggest difference in our educational systems is the vocational skills. Here they are developed from childhood, from elementary school,” said Nsana. “Children grow up knowing how to use computers in high school. They learn how to fix computers, fix cars. Back in Uganda, we have theoretical education. We have much writing and reading up to the end of high school; that's when you go to university, you have the vocational skills.”
Poverty in Uganda is widespread. Kansiime said it is something Uganda must confront if it to continue to progress.
“The biggest challenge is poverty,” Kansiime said. “And poverty would lead to poor-quality education and would lead to, if your sick, you cannot access the medical facilities”
But Nsana said progress is being made on the education front.
“The government is coming to facilitate in paying fees for children in elementary schools,” said Nsana.
Both men were deeply impressed with their reception here in the Imperial Valley. Speaking of their hosts in the Rotary Club, they expressed a strong sense of gratitude
“It is so amazing, they are so hospitable,” Kansiime said. “They are very welcoming, we have liked their culture, they've opened up homes for us.”