Kyegegwa District, Uganda – 26 June 2025

In a small classroom at Ngangi Primary School, an 11-year-old boy named Edson Tayebwa leans forward on his desk, eyes fixed on the blackboard. His teacher, Jennet Nyamuhunge, is conducting a lively literacy lesson about the different methods of harvesting. Using visual aids made from banana fiber, she brings the lesson to life, teaching in both Rutooro and English so that every learner can understand.

For Edson, who has a hearing impairment, these catch-up lessons have opened a new world of learning. Before joining the Catch-Up and Remedial Programme, reading and writing were a struggle. But now, his face beams with pride as he confidently completes his exercises and shows neat handwriting in his books.

“I have learnt to read and write,” he says with a big smile. “Before it was hard for me, but now it is easier.”

Edson is one of the 3,871 children benefiting from the Catch-Up Learning Programme in Kyegegwa District, a joint initiative implemented with support from UNICEF, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Sports, Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO), Kyegegwa District Local Government, and funding from the French National Committee for UNICEF. The programme targets both refugee and host community learners, giving them a second chance to build strong literacy and numeracy foundations.

At Kakoni Wisdom Primary School in the Kyaka II Refugee Settlement, another young learner, Nigenya Esther, proudly shows how far she has come. Now in Primary Three, she confidently solves multiplication problems using the ladder method and helps her classmates understand their lessons.

“I can read stories and count numbers with help from my teachers,” says Esther with a bright smile. “In future, I want to be a nurse.”

Both Edson and Esther are proof that the Catch-Up Learning approach is transforming education in Kyegegwa. Through engaging lessons, locally made learning materials, and child-centered teaching methods, the programme is helping learners overcome barriers and regain confidence in school.

To ensure quality delivery, three teachers from each of the ten participating schools received specialized training in teaching strategies, learner tracking, and inclusive education methods. The impact has been remarkable — with 58% of learners moving one level higher in reading and comprehension, and 64% showing improved numeracy skills since the programme began.

For children like Edson and Esther, learning is no longer a challenge but a joyful journey toward a brighter future.