Strengthening Early Childhood Education in Iganga A Field Visit to Nakalama and Bunyiro ECE Centers

📍 Stop 1: Nakalama Primary School – A Centre of Inclusion

When the Tusome team arrived at Nakalama ECE Centre, the top-class children were already singing lively action songs to start their day. Their energy captured exactly what Nakalama represents: a child-friendly center of joy, structure, and early learning.

NakamaIa is an especially important partner in our ECE work. It remains one of the few rural schools in Iganga that actively welcomes children with disabilities, ensuring they are not excluded from early learning.

The center is supported by five paraeducators—three diploma holders and two certificate-trained—whose dedication has given Nakalama a reputation for nurturing strong school readiness.

After time in the classroom, the team met the headteacher to review the school’s growing library. Together, we discussed opportunities to improve access to books and expand usage so every child benefits from early exposure to reading.

📍 Stop 2: Bunyiro ECE Center, A Small Centre With Big Potential

Morning rain had just stopped when we reached Bunyiro ECE Center. Inside their bright classroom, the children were enjoying breakfast, eager for the day’s activities

Though small in enrolment, Bunyiro remains committed to quality. It is staffed by one diploma-trained paraeducator, supported by the center head, a Primary 4 teacher who oversees operations. Despite limited numbers, the atmosphere was warm, structured, and full of promise.

The team held discussions on strengthening attendance, supporting the paraeducator, and engaging parents to ensure Bunyiro continues to grow into a vibrant ECE hub for its community.

🌱 Moving Forward

[Insert Photo: Team walking / group reflection]

Our visits to Nakalama and Bunyiro reaffirm a simple truth:

With the right support, even small rural centers can deliver powerful early learning experiences.

Tusome Africa remains committed to providing:

* learning and play materials

* paraeducator training

* inclusive education support

* strengthened library access

* improved classroom environments

so that every child regardless of location or ability can thrive in their earliest years.