OUR WORK IN APUTIR PRIMARY SCHOOL (TORORO)

Coincidence and a bit of luck led us, two teachers from the Czech Republic, to

Uganda. Specifically, to the library, which is part of the Aputir primary school outside

the city of Tororo in the east of the country. Through the Bookfeeding organization, we

were expected to volunteer for two weeks - preparing and implementing afternoon

activities for children of different ages. Our goal was to introduce them to the world of

books and stories, develop their imagination and expressive skills, and at the same

time introduce them to European culture and traditions.

We started with a Czech classic - the fairy tale The Gingerbread House. The children

tried working in groups and involved their own imagination. In the following days, we

chose tragedy as the opposite pole. So we introduced them William Shakespeare, the

most famous writer of all time, and his work Romeo and Juliet, which we simplified to

make it understandable. The children practiced understanding the text and their own

interpretation by using this story.

We gradually discovered that most children have problems expressing their thoughts.

That is why we included a game similar to Activities in the program. The children had

to draw, explain or pantomime simple words. This activity helped to overcome

shyness and it became their favorite one.

Our talk about Europe as a continent also aroused great interest. Many children knew

the United Kingdom only through football, but had no idea about the historical ties

with Uganda. Therefore, we dedicated to introduce five European countries and we

ended with a playful quiz.

We evaluate our entire stay at Aputir primary school very positively. It took a while for

the children to get used to us, but they gradually joined the activities with greater

enthusiasm and openness. When we were leaving, it was clear that the time spent

together was meaningful for them and for us and that both parties will miss it.

We thank the Bookfeeding organization for the opportunity and support throughout

our stay. The two weeks in Uganda were a professional and personal experience for us

that we will never forget.