1. Introduction

The partnership between KAWA and PONT is aimed at strengthening educational collaboration in Eastern Uganda, with particular focus on schools in the Bumasaba area. The initial geographical focus includes Mbale City and the districts of Sironko, Bulambuli, Bududa, Manafwa and Namisindwa. The partnership will promote ICT, STEM education, teacher development, digital learning, learner innovation and school-to-school collaboration.

As part of this developing partnership, PONT representatives from Wales visited Mbale High School and Busiu Secondary School, which KAWA identified as the first schools through which the partnership could be explored in practice. The visits enabled direct interaction with school leaders, teachers and learners, while providing an opportunity to observe existing activities and consider how the partnership can respond to the needs and opportunities of schools in the region.

2. Purpose and Key Observations

The visits were intended to give PONT a practical understanding of the school environment and to identify realistic areas of collaboration with KAWA. Attention centred on ICT and STEM education, teacher professional development, digital learning, learner innovation and links between schools in Uganda and Wales.

Mbale High School and Busiu Secondary School served as the first demonstration schools. The visitors observed the role of ICT Clubs in encouraging creativity, the interest of learners in technology and STEM, the need for continued teacher support, and the potential of digital resources to strengthen teaching and learning. The visits also highlighted the value of giving learners an active role in educational programmes rather than treating them only as beneficiaries.

3. KAWA Connect, ICT and STEM

A major highlight was the student-led demonstration of KAWA Connect, KAWA’s digital learning platform. This allowed the visitors to see how learners can use digital content for classroom learning, independent study, revision and technology-supported learning. The demonstration also showed the value of involving students directly in the use and presentation of educational technology.

The discussions recognised that meaningful ICT integration goes beyond access to computers. Schools also require support in digital literacy, coding, robotics, practical science, engineering-related projects, project-based learning and learner innovation. KAWA’s existing work with ICT Clubs and schools provides a practical foundation for supporting these activities within the partnership.

4. Teacher Development and School Partnerships

Teacher professional development was identified as an important part of the partnership. Areas of interest include digital literacy, ICT integration in classroom teaching, use of digital learning resources, learner-centred approaches, STEM teaching and project-based learning. Strengthening teacher confidence and practical skills will be essential to achieving sustainable impact in participating schools.

The visit also opened opportunities for stronger school-to-school relationships between Uganda and Wales. These may include teacher collaboration, learner interaction, cultural exchange, joint educational projects, online exchanges and shared STEM activities. Such links can widen exposure for both teachers and learners while allowing participating schools to share good practice.

5. Proposed Expansion to More Schools

An important outcome of the discussions was the shared interest in extending the partnership beyond Mbale High School and Busiu Secondary School. PONT expressed interest in a wider programme that could eventually reach up to 100 schools, with an initial group of about 10 schools forming the first structured phase.

Beginning with a smaller group would allow KAWA and PONT to develop a practical model, understand the needs of participating schools, establish workable support systems and assess the effectiveness of programme activities before expanding further. The first group would provide experience in ICT Clubs, STEM, teacher training, digital learning, KAWA Connect, learner innovation and school-to-school collaboration.

KAWA would support this process by identifying suitable schools, coordinating communication, preparing schools for participation, supporting implementation, mentoring teachers and learners, and maintaining follow-up. The focus would remain on quality, sustainability and educational impact as the partnership grows across the Bumasaba area.

6. Educational and Social Engagement

The visits were characterised by active and friendly interaction between the PONT visitors and students. In addition to formal discussions and demonstrations, the visitors joined learners in games and participatory activities. These interactions helped build relationships, encouraged teamwork and made the visit more engaging and memorable.

Busiu Secondary School also demonstrated its potential to host wider partnership activities involving learners and teachers from other schools. Its experience with games, district competitions, scouting and inter-school activities could support future ICT events, STEM activities, teacher training, learner innovation programmes and other collaborative engagements.

7. Future Collaboration and MOU

Future collaboration will focus on ICT Clubs, STEM, teacher development, digital learning, KAWA Connect, learner innovation, school partnerships and selected educational and recreational activities, guided by school needs and available resources.

KAWA and PONT also recognised the need for a Memorandum of Understanding to provide a clear institutional framework for the partnership while allowing activities to develop progressively by mutual agreement.

The partnership is expected to strengthen ICT and STEM education, improve teachers’ digital practice, promote learner innovation, widen access to digital resources and build stronger links between schools in Uganda and Wales.

8. Conclusion

The visits to Mbale High School and Busiu Secondary School established a practical foundation for the KAWA-PONT partnership. Beginning with a manageable group of schools will allow the partnership to grow sustainably across the Bumasaba area as experience, capacity and resources develop.