"Let's get things moving right away"
In the heart of Adjumani, Northern Uganda, a large settlement of South Sudanese refugees is home to Ayilo 2A Elementary School. Amidst this bustling community, Akoy, a 30-year-old refugee, finds himself teaching mathematics, English, and general studies to 150 children per classroom.
Akoy's journey began in June 2014 when he fled from South Sudan and found a new home in Uganda. He started teaching immediately upon arrival, initially under a tree, before the school was equipped with classrooms and teachers' residences, thanks to funding provided by Welthungerhilfe in cooperation with the Höller Stiftung.
Akoy's wife also fled with him, and they now live in a small, round hut within the settlement. Despite the challenging conditions, Akoy expresses gratitude for Germany and requests more space for the teachers.
The influx of over 200,000 South Sudanese refugees into the district of Adjumani has put immense strain on Uganda's education system. Class sizes at Ayilo 2A Elementary School have increased, and resources are inadequate, with urgent funding shortages threatening the continuation of educational and other essential services for refugees.
To address these challenges, efforts like the CORE (coaching, observing, reflecting, and engaging) teacher support program have been introduced. This program, implemented by organisations such as War Child with funding from Education Cannot Wait (ECW), aims to improve teacher wellbeing and competence amid the pressures of teaching many classes with limited support. CORE offers strategies for stress management, self-care, and improving relationships in school, which are critical for teachers like Akoy working under difficult conditions.
Uganda hosts nearly 2 million refugees as of 2025, with over half being children. The country's progressive refugee policies, which allow access to public education, are a testament to its commitment to supporting refugees. However, teachers like Akoy operate in a context of humanitarian crisis, stress, and limited materials, making their work all the more remarkable.
In summary, Akoy is a refugee school teacher in Uganda, likely facing overcrowded classrooms and resource constraints amid a large influx of refugees. Efforts like the CORE teacher support program have been introduced to help teachers manage stress and improve their teaching despite challenging conditions. Uganda struggles with funding shortfalls and humanitarian pressures, which impact teachers' working environment and refugee children’s access to education. Despite these challenges, Akoy continues to teach with determination and gratitude, providing a beacon of hope for the children of Ayilo 2A Elementary School.
Akoy's dedication to education and self-development, as evident in his role as a teacher in Uganda, significantly contributes to his personal growth. Amidst the strain on Uganda's education system due to the influx of refugees, programs like CORE teacher support aim to foster Akoy's wellbeing and competence, enabling him to continue his learning as an educator and provide quality education to the children at Ayilo 2A Elementary School.
