Inside a Nursery Teacher's Demanding Yet Fulfilling Day in Uganda

Brenda Atuheire, a nursery teacher at Marigolds Christian School in Uganda, kicks off her day at 6am. After a quick morning routine, she heads to school by 7am, or earlier on duty days, ready for non-stop action with her class of 45 toddlers.

Despite training in history education from Makerere University, Atuheire found her true passion in early childhood teaching under the British curriculum. Her first employer even funded her early years certification, recognizing her dedication to the little ones.

School begins with setup: arranging lesson props like vegetables for counting. By 7:15am, children arrive, and she engages them in activities like play dough and sorting while awaiting circle time at 8am. This session features themes, songs, Bible stories, and life lessons amid constant interruptions like bathroom breaks or tears.

Formal sessions from 8:30am focus on phonics and numeracy through lively songs, movement, and hands-on tasks such as baking or exploring food themes. Snacks, outdoor play, and more learning follow until lunch, which offers no real respite as she assists with feeding and spills.

During afternoon naps, Atuheire multitasks—eating, marking work, and planning—before lighter activities and pickups. Her official shift ends at 5:30pm, but home extends into printing materials, often delayed by technical issues.

With three assistants, she groups children by ability and tracks individual progress weekly, noting behavior, eating habits, and learning. Rewards come from children teaching peers or parental praise, fueling her commitment despite challenges like scrutiny from watchful parents and defending against misplaced blame.

Atuheire stays vigilant in public, mindful of her image, and uses records to handle issues. Her perseverance has led to personal wins, including buying land and launching a children’s clothing business. For her, nurturing young minds is a true calling.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)