Our Co-Founder and Director of Programmes, Dr. Margo O’Sullivan, supported the visiting Teachers throughout their time in Ireland from 4 to 11th October. Reflecting on the experience, she shared that “the TMAD initiative exemplifies best practice in teacher professional development and motivation.
“Eighteen Ugandan educators – many of them flying for the first time – have returned from a week-long professional development tour in Ireland, their hearts full and minds brimming with new ideas. As winners of the New Vision Teachers Making a Difference awards in 2023 and 2024, they embarked on a journey that not only crossed continents, but also bridged educational philosophies. Now back home, they are ready to revolutionize classrooms with learner-centred, tech integrated and emotionally supportive teaching methods they encountered in Ireland” (John Erume and Roggers Akanyijuka, New Vision, 15 October, p. 18).
Its design and impact extend far beyond the participants, creating a ripple effect that motivates and inspires other teachers across Uganda, particularly through the New Vision. A key focus throughout the trip was encouraging teachers to identify and adapt best practices for their own contexts.” Some of these reflections were featured in the New Vision on 15th October 2025.
Established in 2008 by The New Vision newspaper, the Teachers Making a Difference (TMAD) Award celebrates Ugandan teachers in government-aided schools who demonstrate exceptional performance and innovation, those who go above and beyond the call of duty. Since 2017, the Irish Embassy in Kampala and Travelcare Limited have partnered with New Vision to strengthen the initiative, which honours excellence and recognises teachers working in challenging environments, including marginalised regions and special needs education.
Teachers are nominated by the public, verified by journalists, profiled in New Vision over five months, and reviewed by an independent jury. Winners receive certificates, plaques, and cash prizes for themselves and their schools at a national awards gala.
As part of the 2025 programme, the 18 award-winning teachers and headteachers, accompanied by journalists, Ugandan Ministry of Education and Sports officials, and Irish Embassy staff, took part in an exceptionally rich and diverse learning experience in Ireland, combining both educational and cultural dimensions.
Participants benefitted from a carefully designed programme that provided ongoing opportunities for learning, reflection, and exchange. The schedule included cultural excursions to Trim Castle, Bray and the Irish Sea, and Glendalough, set up by St. Kevin, alongside visits to Trinity College Dublin, the Book of Kells, the Irish Aid Centre, and the Department of Foreign Affairs, as well as attendance at a Sunday service in St. Andrews Church.
In addition, four in-depth school visits allowed participants to engage directly with Irish teachers and students, observe classroom practices, and exchange ideas. This combination of cultural immersion and professional learning created a holistic experience that deepened understanding of the Irish education system and the practices they could apply in their own schools.
Dr. O’Sullivan noted that “the calibre of the 18 TMAD teachers and headteachers was exceptional. Each demonstrated a deep commitment to learning and improving education quality in Uganda. Common to all, and vital to the programme’s success in enhancing education quality in Uganda, was their positive attitude, strong motivation to learn best practices, and eagerness to understand every aspect of the Irish education system and culture and how they can use what they learn to improve the quality of education in their classrooms and schools.
They showed great openness in engaging with and sharing experiences with their Irish counterparts. Their interactions with teachers and students in all schools were highly positive, with feedback highlighting the valuable learning the visit brought to each Irish school.
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