What inspired you to travel abroad?
I wanted to immerse myself in a new cultural setting, learn about Ugandan traditions and customs, and gain a broader perspective on global education. I was inspired to go abroad to Uganda to teach mathematics for several reasons.
I have a genuine love and passion for mathematics. I have had a strong desire to contribute to the development of education in a less privileged region like Uganda.
I have also seen teaching mathematics in Uganda as a chance to develop my teaching skills, adapt to different educational systems, and enhance my problem-solving abilities, among other valuable learning opportunities.
It helped me make new connections with different people and I wish to go back soon when I finish high school.
Team of Volunteers and the local community promoting games and sports.
Why did you choose Platform for the Needy?
My decision resonated with the values and mission of PLANE Uganda. PLANE Uganda focuses on providing education and support to underprivileged communities, especially in the field of mathematics and other science subjects.
My values of equity and social impact aligned well with the organization's goals. Prioritizing education in underserved areas: PLANE Uganda suits that need well.
I was drawn to the opportunity to make a significant impact on students' lives who otherwise may not have access to quality mathematics education. I chose to work with the organization due to its positive reputation for providing a supportive and conducive working environment.
The adequate resources, training opportunities, a collaborative team, and a strong network of like-minded educators made me highly interested. Along with it, it was amazing when they told me that accommodation and meals are provided, and even transport after payment.
Teaching with PLANE Uganda offered me opportunities for professional growth and development. It provided me a chance to enhance my teaching skills, gain experience working in a different educational system, and develop a deeper understanding of cultural and educational challenges specific to Uganda.
Collaborating with a network of professionals in the same sector fosters learning, idea sharing, and potential future collaborations. The connections I made with PLANE Uganada are important ones.
What was your favorite part about Uganda?
It was an amazing experience in Uganda, especially in Fort Portal, Western Uganda, where PLATFORM for the NEEDY (PLANE) is situated. The people in Uganda are warm, hospitable, friendly and welcoming.
The warmth and kindness displayed by the Ugandan people created a positive and enjoyable experience for me and the colleagues I found there. Uganda has a rich cultural diversity, with over 50 ethnic groups, each with its traditions, customs, and languages.
Another one of my favorite parts was that Uganda has a stunning natural beauty—Uganda is blessed with beautiful landscapes and natural wonders.
From the breathtaking scenery of national parks such as Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Murchison Falls to the serene Lake Victoria and the Rwenzori Mountains, Uganda offers plenty of opportunities for exploration and enjoyment of nature.
Uganda is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants, lions, and numerous bird species. For nature lovers and adventure seekers, the chance to engage in wildlife safaris and witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitats can be a favorite part of being in Uganda.
Ugandan Food was a delightful part of experiencing a different culture. Uganda has its unique culinary traditions, with dishes like matoke (cooked bananas), groundnut stew, rolex (chapati and egg wrap), fruits and vegetables, and much more.
Exploring and trying out the local cuisine can be an enjoyable aspect of being in Uganda.
Receiving a gift after the pre-departure get-together party.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
Seeing the positive impact on the lives of the students and the community as a whole made my experience extraordinary. Building relationships and connecting with the students can be a rewarding and memorable aspect of teaching with PLANE.
Developing a rapport, witnessing their growth and progress in mathematics, and being a positive influence in their lives was extraordinary.
Engaging with the local culture, traditions, and customs was a transformative experience that broadened my perspective.
Sharing ideas, learning from colleagues, and collectively working toward a common goal made my experience unforgettable and aided in my personal and professional growth.
How did the local PLANE staff support you throughout your program?
They provided orientation and training sessions to familiarize volunteer teachers with the organization's mission, values, and teaching methodologies. This offering helped me to understand the local context, educational system, and the specific needs of the students they are working with.
The local team was supportive in providing the foreign staff with guidance on curriculum planning and providing them with relevant resources and materials. They offered assistance in developing lesson plans tailored to the needs of the students and local curriculum requirements.
We were assigned local coaches to support us teachers throughout the program. These mentors provided guidance, constructive feedback, and pedagogical support to help the teachers improve their instructional techniques and classroom management skills.
They also conducted classroom observations to assess the teacher's performance and provide feedback for improvement. This practice helped the staff to identify our strengths and areas for growth and make adjustments to our teaching methods accordingly.
Professional development workshops, seminars, and even conferences were provided for teachers. These tools enhanced my knowledge, introduced me to new strategies, and provided a platform for discussing and collaborating on best practices for the team.
Local PLANE members provided emotional and logistical support to me. They assisted with administrative tasks, helped navigate cultural differences, and provided guidance on local resources and services.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I wish I had allocated more time for cultural immersion and understanding. Teaching in a foreign country offered me a unique opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture and gain a deeper appreciation for the local customs and traditions.
I did allocate some time, especially during the weekends, for cultural immersion and understanding. This habit not only enhanced my teaching capabilities but also forged deeper connections with the students and the local community.
Brenda receiving booklets from PLANE Director
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
My typical day in Uganda as a teacher of mathematics with PLANE involved the following:
6:00 AM: Wake up and start the day with some personal time (meditation, exercise, or reflection).
7:00 AM: Have a typical Ugandan breakfast with the team (breakfast can be bananas, chapatis, ripes, fruits, milk, eggs, and vegetables).
8:00 AM: Commute to the school where I was teaching via PLANE's local staff in their vehicle. Sometimes by motorcycle.
8:30 AM: Arrive at the school and prepare for the day's lessons and classroom.
9:00 AM: Begin the first mathematics class of the day. Engage with the students, introduce the lesson, and facilitate discussions and activities.
10:30 AM: Break time. Time to connect with other teachers, interact with students, or take a short break to recharge.
11:00 AM: Continue teaching mathematics with another class. I used various teaching strategies to make lessons engaging and interactive.
12:30 PM: Lunchtime. We enjoyed preparing the school lunch.
1:30 PM: Afternoon classes begin & prep—further instruction or offering individual support who need extra assistance.
3:00 PM: School ends. Various activities such as grading assignments, preparing for the next day's lessons, or professional development
4:00 PM: Extracurricular activities like mentoring students, school clubs or offering tutoring sessions. Games and sports.
5:30 PM: Wrap up, head home. Explore local communities, connect with neighbors, or immerse in Ugandan culture and traditions.
7:00 PM: Dinner at PLANE’s office, sometimes at the guest house. Occasionally, local Ugandan restaurants.
8:00 PM: Unwinding and relaxing. Reading, watching sports on TV, friends and family online, or leisure activities.
10:00 PM: Prepare for bed, ensuring proper rest for the next day's endeavors.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
I enjoyed exploring the unique attractions that Uganda has to offer.
One of my favorite activities was to see national parks such as Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Murchison Falls. Other fun attractions were going on safari to see wildlife or exploring historical and cultural sites like the Kasubi Tombs, Tooro kingdom tombs, or the Source of the Nile in Jinja.
Uganda is known for its vibrant and diverse cultural heritage. I took part in local festivals, traditional ceremonies, and cultural performances. We, as a team, regularly sought out traditional dances and music performances or attended community celebrations.
Given Uganda's beautiful landscapes, I enjoyed outdoor activities often. This outing involved hiking in the Rwenzori Mountains, bird-watching in the national parks, or exploring the stunning islands on Lake Victoria.
I spent my time engaging in conversations with Ugandan friends, learning about their customs and traditions, or socializing with colleagues to share experiences and insights. I also engaged in PLANE’s drama called Bahemuka.
Uganda has a diverse culinary scene with unique dishes and flavors. I used my free time to explore local markets, street food stalls, or restaurants to sample Ugandan cuisines.
I spent time giving back to the local community during my free time. This involved volunteering at local community centers, participating in community service projects or offering expertise and support to educational initiatives beyond my teaching role.
We also engaged in games and sports and donated balls to the teams.
We posed for a photo with the local community
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
While abroad in Uganda, I was accommodated at the Guest House. A guest house is a type of accommodation where travelers rent a room within a private house.
The guest house where I was accommodated in Uganda had:
- Privacy: My Guest house offered private rooms, ensuring a level of privacy for all the guests.
- Services: cleaning, meals, and laundry were available.
- Amenities: My guest house provided amenities like Wi-Fi, hot water, and communal areas for socializing or relaxation, like TV sports.
- Convenience: My guest house was convenient, especially for short-term stays, as they often offer flexibility and are available in various locations.
Would you recommend Platform for the Needy to others? Why?
Yes, I would recommend teaching in Uganda, especially at PLATFORM for the NEEDY (PLANE), because the organization, its staff, and the people in Fort Portal Uganda are so loving, warm, and welcoming.
The people in Uganda are lovely. The warmth and kindness displayed by the Ugandan people created a positive and enjoyable experience for me and my colleagues.
At the end of my volunteer teaching, I was treated to a pre-departure party. I was offered a certificate of recognition by the organization and the school where I was teaching.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
The opportunity to teach Ugandan students and contribute to PLATFORM for the NEEDY (PLANE) as an organization was highly impactful in all regards.
Working with the organization provided me with an opportunity for cultural immersion and understanding. Engaging with the local culture, traditions, and customs was a transformative experience that broadened my perspective.
Additionally, my personal growth and learning, teaching with PLANE in Uganda, offered me opportunities for extraordinary lessons. Adapting to new teaching methods, navigating challenges, and expanding teaching skills in a different educational context was personally enriching and enhanced professional development.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
The beautiful time I had abroad in Uganda teaching helped me gain skills and experience which I am now using to apply in my education. It will help me in my career development and the connections I made are helping me to go back.
I have continued to interact with the organization, its staff, and the community, especially the students and teachers at the school where I volunteered.
I am planning to go on vacation after high school, and I am happy that I will use the skills and experience I gained in teaching in Uganda.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Anyone can travel abroad to a country of their choice not for adventure but for a purpose like teaching. When one travels, one can gain experiences with new cultures.
Traveling abroad can be meaningful because it pushes an individual out of their comfort zone and challenges someone to adapt to unfamiliar environments. This practice promotes personal growth, builds resilience, and fosters self-discovery.
It exposes someone to different social, economic, and political systems, helping him to understand diverse viewpoints regarding global issues and challenges. It enhances adaptability, resilience, and problem-solving skills, which can be valuable in many aspects of life.
