For the past 26 years, I’ve quietly and devotedly stood before blackboards and small gardens. This is my small way of helping bring the dreams of young boys and girls put in my care to fruition. Teaching is not just a job, especially when one teaches a practical subject like Agriculture. It’s intriguing what students can do when encouraged and supported.  My students run the school farm; they control proceeds from the school farm. Last year, the students refused to sell their maise harvest to the school because they considered the school’s offer for their maize too low. They instead sold off the fresh maize to external buyers who offered better rates. We are working on producing coffee yoghurt in addition to the cottage cheese we produce. It’s evident the students enjoy labouring on the farm, their enthusiasm is unmistakable, and when their projects materialise, their excitement is undeniable. Why should education be torturous yet it can be rewarding and fun?

Moses Kakooko Baingana
Nyakasura School, Fort Portal