How Child-Centered Education can Unlock Creativity, Emotional Growth in Uganda

 

Ugandan Parents and Experts Call for Flexible School Schedules and Positive Discipline in Early Childhood Education

As concerns grow over the pressures faced by young children in Uganda’s education system, parents, educators, and experts are urging schools to adopt more flexible schedules and child-centered teaching approaches.

Aisha Wansale, a mother of five, voiced her frustrations over the early morning routines imposed on children. “The school vans pick up children very early, and by the time they arrive in class, they’re exhausted. This makes them hate school,” Wansale said. She advocated for a more flexible schedule that allows children, especially younger ones, to sleep longer and avoid unnecessary stress.

Florence Komujuni, the mother of a five-year-old, echoed similar concerns, particularly about sending young children to boarding school. “Children below six years are not ready for boarding school. They can’t wash their clothes or take care of themselves,” she said, suggesting alternatives like nearby schools with reasonable start times and a pick-and-drop system.

Educational leaders also emphasize the negative impact of early routines and excessive academic pressures on young learners. Hassan Wasswa, head of education in Kibuli Parish, noted that children burdened with early hours and excessive homework often disengage from learning. “Children who wake up early, stay at school late, and are burdened with too much homework end up dozing in class,” he explained, stressing the need for parents to be more involved in their children’s education.

Moses Mpanga, a clinical psychologist with Mind Nest Uganda, emphasized the importance of rest and play for children’s development. “Rest is crucial for a child’s development. If children are overburdened with early school hours and too much homework, it can stunt their cognitive and emotional growth,” Mpanga said. He advocates for Early Childhood Development (ECD) systems that prioritize creativity and rest, rather than academic rigor alone.

The importance of ECD is becoming increasingly recognized in Uganda, where early childhood is viewed as a critical period for shaping lifelong learning, health, and emotional well-being. However, children still face significant challenges, including violence and rigid teaching methods, which hinder their creativity and enthusiasm for learning.

At Early Years Elementary School in Kibuli, Kampala, director Nalule Hajjara underscores the need for a holistic approach to ECD, one that nurtures all aspects of a child’s development—cognitive, emotional, social, and physical. “Children are like plants. If not properly nurtured, they wither,” Nalule said. She highlighted her school’s focus on hands-on, imaginative learning, using natural materials like seeds and bottle tops to teach basic skills such as counting and pattern identification.

Discipline is another area of concern. Many schools in Uganda still rely on corporal punishment, which experts say has long-term negative impacts on children’s development. Summaya Kalanzi, a teacher at Early Years Elementary School, advocates for positive discipline methods. “Our community’s challenges stem from how children are disciplined in school.