This morning began with two full group sessions – another inspirational scholar from the University of Pretoria (Prof. Jonathan Jansen), and a panel on using OERs (open education sources, available online, on CDs/DVDs, and in print form) to train teachers, especially those who cannot attend a university. There are many opportunities and challenges with this method, including issues of access and lots of curriculum development from outside of Africa. Prof. Jansen spoke of qualities of true leaders – conscious decision-making, credibility, courage, counter-culture vision, compassion, self-criticism, and commitment. It could have been given and equally received in a US context. So many issues are the same on many levels – political rhetoric without backbone, improper treatment of students, lack of care, teaching to the test, even. Jansen gave many examples of excellent teacher and administrative leaders who dared to think and act outside the problematic boxes we often find ourselves in. One quote I especially liked: “You cannot teach if you cannot feel.”
Cornelius and I gave our presentation on the role of parents during and after the war in Northern Uganda, and I added an update on our current work. It was well received. I also met others from Makerere. One, Peter, is the dean of the higher learning dept in the College of Education. He is interested in networking opportunities with USF and Makerere.
Long day, and much longer one tomorrow as I make my way back to the US. It’s been a wonderful opportunity to immerse myself in the amazing warmth of African cultures, learn from everyone I met, and get a better sense of the work I expect to do over the next many years.
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