Parents International Training in Uganda – A wonderful journey of mutual discovery

Cover of “Into Africa,” a book documenting Parents International training in Uganda with educators and communities in Kampala — *The title of “Into Africa” captures the essence of Parents International training in Uganda — a journey of mutual learning and discovery.*

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Into Africa – An Account of IPA Training in Uganda (English)

Into Africa – Un Racconto della Formazione IPA in Uganda (Italiano)

Into Africa – ウガンダにおけるIPA研修の実施記録 (日本語)

Parents International training in Uganda: why?

Because we go where we are called, where there’s a need, and where we can help those who want to actually make an impact. This time, we visited the Project Princess Initiative in Kampala, Uganda, to deliver practical, hands-on training to education professionals. The experience has been so rich and powerful that we have made a book about it!

When we boarded the plane bound for Uganda, we carried more than just carefully prepared lesson plans and research-backed materials. We carried with us a sense of purpose and anticipation. Yet, nothing could have prepared us for how profoundly this journey would shape and teach us in return.

From the moment we arrived, Uganda embraced us with vibrant contrasts. The deep red soil, the bustling movement of boda-boda motorcycles weaving through Kampala’s streets, and, most significantly, the unshakable sense of community made an immediate impression. Our host, Fiona, welcomed us not as guests, but as family. It was clear from the start that our work here would be much more than “just” training. What unfolded was an enriching cultural immersion and a true exchange of learning.

Exterior view of the Project Princess Initiative, one of the venues for Parents International training in Uganda — *The Project Princess Initiative in Kampala, where the Parents International training in Uganda was delivered, empowering both teachers and students.*

Delivering Impact: Parents International Training in Uganda

Our purpose was to deliver a multi-day Parents International training in Uganda, designed specifically for teachers and school leaders in Kampala. Our toolkit included content on trauma-informed practices, communication strategies, and conflict resolution. We know from experience that effective training requires more than pedagogical preparation. It demands openness — a willingness to listen, adapt, and learn.

Throughout the sessions, we encountered professional educators who amazed us with their resilience, grace, and deep commitment to their work. Many face daunting obstacles: delayed funding from the government, challenges around school security, and the everyday logistics of running a school with the available resources. Yet their passion and resourcefulness shone through. One teacher spoke of how, in her community, raising children is a shared responsibility — a beautiful reflection of Ubuntu, the philosophy that “I am because we are.”

Our approach to training emphasizes collaboration and experiential learning, a far cry from standardised, rigid plans. We adjuste our methods in real-time, creating space for our participants to teach us as well. In one particularly joyful session, we asked participants to teach us local languages using immersion techniques only. Our stumbles through Luganda prompted much laughter and, importantly, fostered a deeper bond between us. Those moments of shared vulnerability proved to be as instructive as any workshop.

These exchanges were never one-sided. Our Ugandan colleagues challenged our assumptions and prompted us to reflect on our own cultural lenses. Their questions were thoughtful, often difficult, and always insightful. As trainers, we constantly remind ourselves that our role is not to lecture or deliver wisdom from afar. Instead, it is to create an environment where discovery — for everyone involved — can thrive.

Group photo of trainers and participants during Parents International training in Uganda, smiling and celebrating the end of the program — *A moment of connection and celebration between trainers and educators during the Parents International training in Uganda.*

A Cultural Exchange Beyond the Classroom

Beyond the training room, we were fortunate to explore elements of Uganda’s rich cultural heritage. Visits to the Kasubi Tombs — a Unesco World Heritage site where the kings of the Kingdom of Buganda dwell after their passing or, as our guide explained to us, after they “disappear into the forest” — and to the Ndere Cultural Centre offered powerful insights into traditions that are lovingly preserved through ritual, dance, and storytelling. In every conversation and cultural experience, we were met with generosity, curiosity, and a dignified sense of pride.

As our time in Uganda came to a close, we were physically tired, but in high spirits. During our final gathering, we exchanged small gifts, danced, and shared laughter. One teacher thanked us for a game we had introduced during a session — a simple activity she planned to incorporate into her P.E. lessons. It was a seemingly small moment, yet it carried deep meaning. It was a reminder that the impact of shared learning often lingers in these quiet, personal exchanges.

We had traveled to deliver a Parents International training in Uganda, but we left having received something just as precious and profound. We returned with a renewed belief in the value of connection, the dignity of every learner, and the power of mutual respect. The experience reaffirmed our commitment to learning not just across borders, but through genuine relationships rooted in empathy and shared humanity.

In a world that can often feel divided, our time facilitating Parents International training in Uganda reminded us that kindness, courage, and curiosity still have the power to unite.