Restoring Dignity in the Classroom

In Uganda, Grace’s students gather around one of their peers and begin singing. But it’s not a joyful song, it’s one of taunting and shaming.

The student in the middle has received a bad grade and this song, along with the scratches that he receives from the other students is his punishment

Unfortunately many students across Africa face this type of corporal punishment and shaming as a means of discipline. It’s a deeply-rooted tradition and large classroom sizes make students difficult to manage.

But for schools like Grace’s in Uganda, school teachers and administrators are making an important realization that transforms the way they see students. Grace has changed her approach to teaching and no longer sees that taunting and shaming is not a good way to teach.

“We appreciate every child is unique and has potential to be a useful member of God’s Kingdom,” says Grace, whose name has been changed.

"We now take time to talk to children, pray with them about their challenges and provide learning materials that enhance development.”

So what brought about this change? Grace and other teachers at her school began taking part in Educational Care training, a curriculum developed by Christian Reformed World Missions that helps teachers find practical ways to integrate their faith to the classroom.

“[Eduational Care] is restoring dignity to learners and instilling biblical worldview in teachers,” said Mwaya Wa Kitavi, CRWM’s regional leader for eastern and southern Africa.

In the last year, Kitavi has trained about 340 teachers from 27 different schools. As these teachers continue to work through the curriculum, they also have the opportunity to become trainers themselves so that other teachers can learn from them.

In order to continue working alongside teachers like Grace, CRWM will soon be sending an additional missionary to Uganda—Diana Boot.

Boot recently accepted the position of Christian Education Specialist and is currently in the support network development stage of her service and will head out for the field when this is in place.

“I am excited to work with passionate teachers, administrators who are seeking God’s face in their schools, and students who have a strong desire to learn,” said Boot.