Don't Count Yourself Out: From Village Student to Empowered Teacher Trainer:

• I studied in the village all my life.
• I went to train as a teacher immediately after my senior four.
• I had no A-level education, I had no University Degree.
• No exposure.
• No experience.
• No connection.
• I had nothing at all!

And yet this departing leader still saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself.

Here’s how it all begins;

Several years ago, I found myself in a routine staff meeting, a familiar occurrence marking the end of the school year. As I settled into my chair, little did I know that this particular gathering would be different from the previous four. The agenda was predictable: a spirited devotion, filled with praise and worship, setting the tone for an atmosphere of gratitude. Yet, what unfolded next was far from ordinary.

The devotion, an essential in our end-of-year tradition, was a blend of genuine expressions of thanks and an outlet for weary staff members to release pent-up energy through cheerful shouts and dance. Following the uplifting spiritual segment, the meeting transitioned into a time for sharing personal testimonies. School leaders took the floor to express gratitude to those they had worked closely with, occasionally offering glimpses into the plans for the upcoming year. The revelation of departing staff members brought a mild shock. Among them was the deputy head teacher, a respected figure, and a true gentleman.

This teacher, who had achieved academic excellence as a student at Kings College Budo, underwent professional training at the National Teachers' College and effortlessly made science subjects easy for learners, was bidding farewell not to teach elsewhere, but to venture into private business. As he confidently announced his resignation, the room's focus shifted to the impending challenge of finding a suitable successor.

Back then, filling vacant offices at that school was so simple, much like appointing a family successor. All he had to do was identify one individual from potential persons with exceptional educational backgrounds and teaching experience. One who is responsible with good exposure, mature enough to pastor the teachers but also mentor students. There were more than 5 potential names in that room who met that description but to everybody’s surprise, the responsibility of maintaining the legacy fell upon one individual—Paul Naigo.

As the name resonated through the room, I felt the impact like a heavyweight boxer's blow. The revelation that I would be the new deputy head teacher left me reeling. I scarcely had time to observe the reactions of my colleagues. The shock was so profound that, like Mary in the biblical narrative, I found myself questioning, "How can it be?"

I want to tell you how excited I was but I can't because I wasn’t.

So here’s what I had to do Differently;

Despite my initial self-doubt and the apparent disparities in my educational background,

I embarked on a transformative journey that not only reshaped my career but also allowed me to make a meaningful impact on both staff support and student achievement.

I embraced the challenge with determination. The responsibility entrusted to me was not just about administrative tasks but about fostering an environment that supported the growth of both teachers and students.

I took deliberate steps to create a culture of collaboration and continuous learning.

Recognizing the diverse strengths within our team, I encouraged teachers to share their expertise and engage in professional development opportunities.

From then on, I set out to challenge and inspire teachers to elevate their methods and strategies, pushing the boundaries of conventional teaching practices.

Now let’s look at the Results;

The results are evident in the improved student achievement across various subjects. The focus on dynamic and student-centered teaching methodologies translates into higher levels of engagement and understanding among students.

In these years, I have been humbled by the acknowledgment I received within the school community and externally. My journey from a village student with limited education to school leadership and now teacher trainer and mentor has been an unexpected yet transformative experience.

As I continue on this path, I remain committed to fostering an environment of support and challenge, ensuring that both teachers and students reach their highest potential.

The credit I've received is not just a personal triumph but a celebration of the collective success achieved through collaborative efforts and a shared commitment to excellence.

Remember;

Leadership is not solely about credentials but about the ability to inspire and lead by example.

You can rise from dust to Grace when you have the right support system around you.

That’s why I welcome you to Join Eda-space, it’s not just an online staff room, it a community that nurtures, guides, and prepares you for success during and beyond the classroom.