Link Community Development - Ireland

We are delighted to announce that the Global Teachers Programme will be relaunched in 2011, thanks to recently received Irish Aid funding!

Between 2007 and 2009, 21 Global Teachers from Ireland each spent five weeks in Uganda exchanging skills and expertise to support schools involved in Link Community Development’s Uganda School Improvement Programme. Global Teachers are also working to share the knowledge and skills gained in Uganda with pupils and other teachers across Ireland, developing an interest in global citizenship, and rights and responsibilities.

What can I expect as a Global Teacher?

In Uganda the Global Teachers spend five weeks in schools in the Kamwenge district, working with and guided by Ugandan headteachers and teachers to support the process of school improvement, particularly in the areas of school leadership and management, and literacy. The work of the Global Teachers is supported by Link Community Development, Ugandan Ministry of Education and Sports and the District Education Officers.

As one component of Link Community Development’s partnership with the District Education Office is to improve schools over the long term, the principles of good practice and sustainability drive the Global Teachers Programme – Ugandan school needs are the starting point.

“I was completely overwhelmed by the welcome I was given in Uganda, the love of the children, the incredible insight into daily life in Africa and its wonderful culture of music and dance. I only wish I had more time to pay back all the kindness I’ve been shown”

Mura Tierney, Global Teacher

Living and working within a rural community gives Global Teachers a unique insight into and understanding of village life in Uganda, and the issues impacting on access and quality in education. The personal and professional experience gained inspires Global Teachers to share lessons learned with pupils and teachers to promote Development Education and improve teaching and learning in Ireland.

Global Teachers receive

Full preparation including two pre-placement training weekends in April and June covering professional role, context, Health and Safety, etc
Five week placement in Uganda during July and August
In-country induction and full placement support
Follow-up support on return to Ireland including a further training weekend in September and a graduation ceremony in June of the following year to mark the completion of the programme

What are the benefits to you and your school?
There are many benefits to be gained by your pupils and whole school from your experience:

You will be able to talk from experience about rural Ugandan life, about the people, the children, and about school – bringing global teaching and learning to life, impacting across the curriculum and influencing pupils’ knowledge and understanding, values and attitudes
Being committed to sharing your experience will enable you to build on your school’s Development Education teaching and learning
As a Global Teacher you are able to share new and exciting ideas, resources and practice with other Global Teachers, enabling you to bring new practice from around the country into your own school
Having worked to support headteachers and teachers in Uganda you gain skills in leadership and management building your own capacity to support your own school
With an insight into school improvement issues and challenges, you may be able to offer a different perspective to your own school
You become part of a network of Irish teachers working in the area of international Development Education, considered as an expert to other schools and teachers in your local area
You have the opportunity to take your relationship with a rural Ugandan school further by joining the Link Schools Programme

Eligibility criteria

Qualified Teacher
Employed as a teacher, principal or retired with on-going contact with schools
Set to continue as a teacher, principal or be engaged with schools for a year after placement
Can attend one of two selection days in March
Can attend all training weekends and the conference
Physically capable of living and working in rural Africa

The fee for the Global Teachers Programme is €1800, which covers residential training weekends in Ireland, international travel, food and accommodation in Uganda. Global Teachers may want to undertake additional fundraising activities which will help us support the LCD project in the district where your placement school is located.

LCD Ireland is a signatory of the Comhlámh Volunteering Charter and Sending Organisation Code of Good Practice.