UGANDA LEAP: SCHOOL-BASED APPROACH TO AWARENESS RAISING “TEACHERS AS CHANGE AGENTS” Martin Omukuba Project Director Livelihoods, Education and Protection to End Child Labor in Uganda (L.E.A.P.)

INITIATING SCHOOL-BASED AWARENESS RAISING School selection through assessment  Through school situation analysis  School assessment (infrastructure, number of teachers, qualification of teachers, trainings received, administration structures in place) Have Memorandum of Understanding with the school and the project  Clarity on roles and responsibility  Provides commitment from both partners (binding) 2 U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Child Labor, Forced Labor, and Human Trafficking

WHY TEACHERS AS CHANGE AGENTS? Teachers spend more time with children Teachers are role models to children, parents and the community  Children gain confidence and trust in their teachers  Teachers bridge the gap between the school and the community  Teachers attend community meetings and are well placed to influence behavior Investing in teachers has a multiplier effect  Reach a wider community  Sustainable even when transferred to another school Abuses that happen in schools are often perpetrated by teachers  Defilement, corporal punishment, etc. Teachers are potential employers of child labor  Housemaids, babysitters, gardeners, vending items in markets, etc. 3 U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Child Labor, Forced Labor, and Human Trafficking

HOW TO SETUP SCHOOL-BASED AWARENESS RAISING Select a few targeted schools Conduct training for all teachers in that school on key thematic areas  Training on project goal and objectives  Teachers code of conduct (refresher training)  Child labor and ILO conventions (182&138), Convention on the Rights of the Child, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child  National child labor policies – the Children Act Identify committed teachers and train them to become change agents  Develop training toolkits (recommended 2 toolkits)  Messages will be tailored to specific groups (teachers, children, parents, local and opinion leaders, school-based leadership structures such as School Management Committees/Parents Teachers Associations)  Train them on how to train others and provide a toolkit for their use  Draw up an action plan for awareness raising in their school/neighbouring schools  Monitor and provide constructive feedback 4 U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Child Labor, Forced Labor, and Human Trafficking

IMPORTANCE OF THIS APPROACH Increases knowledge base of teachers on child labor and related issues Creates an enabling school environment for safe learning of children Makes learning interesting for children  Children learn through poems, songs, drama and dance Improves children’s ability to communicate (e.g. public speaking) Motivates teachers by giving them opportunity to train others, speak in public and during school open days It is a sustainable approach  infused key child labor concepts in the teacher training curriculum 5 U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Child Labor, Forced Labor, and Human Trafficking

POTENTIAL CHALLENGES WITH THIS APPROACH Activities with children can be done only during school days Training of teachers can only be done on weekends or during holidays Continuity of implementing activities is dependent on availability of resources Due to time constraints, trained teachers might not be able to carry out training in the neighboring schools Transfer of teachers creates a gap in the process within the targeted schools. 6 U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Child Labor, Forced Labor, and Human Trafficking

THANK YOU! QUESTIONS? CONTACT US AT: IRC UGANDA LEAP PROJECT The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albeit Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home.