How Okware motivates outstanding teachers
Okware is an entrepreneur, teacher trainer and director of Teachers in Need (TIN) organization and Teacher’s TV Africa, an online TV with over 3,000 subscribers.
Okware inspires teachers, mostly those in private schools to dream big
Peter Okware featured among Vision Group’s TOP 40 UNDER 40 in 2020. He says the recognition propelled him to greater heights and he has since made himself a name in the education sector.
Okware is an entrepreneur, teacher trainer and director of Teachers in Need (TIN) organization and Teacher’s TV Africa, an online TV with over 3,000 subscribers.
Okware also inspires teachers, mostly those in private schools to dream big. He says, there are over 340,000 teachers in Uganda and 180,000 are in private schools, according to the Ministry of Education data. However, most of these teachers are not motivated.
For example, last year, TIN carried out a survey and asked 700 teachers if they love their job and 95% said they do not. In that faith, Okware organizes teachers’ awards to recognize and motivate outstanding primary and secondary school teachers around the country. Last year, he gave out eight smartphones to the best 10 teachers. This year, in December, the best 12 teachers will get laptops and a fully paid trip to Murchison Falls National Park. He says many teachers love tourism but they cannot afford it.
The awards extend to non-teaching staff as well. The best askari, administrator, matron and cleaner will also be awarded. There is also a special accolade for best-retired teacher and one for special needs children. “We send out a call and the public nominates. The committee shortlists the finalists and winners are decided through voting,” he says. “We want to award more teachers, but our funds are limited. We invite financial support from individuals and organizations towards a successful event,” he appeals. Okware strives to restore the dignity of the teaching profession. He wants teachers to love their job and feel appreciated. “Many teachers do not have contracts. They are hired and fired at will. They teach because they have no choice. All these injustices should end,” he says. Meanwhile, TIN links teachers to jobs and other opportunities. They also intervene where the employer exploits their member. “Many teachers are exploited and others are sexually abused by their bosses. We intervene to end such injustices,” he says. “We have helped many to recover their salaries. We also work with volunteer lawyers to take matters to court,” he says.
Okware adds that they also celebrate teachers’ birthdays and anniversaries and motivate them through surprise dinners and cakes at work. He says, such small things help to lift up the teacher’s spirits.
Work challenges
Okware says, some school owners want teachers to remain poor and vulnerable in order to continue exploiting them but he warns that if teachers continue in that misery, the country risks breeding a vulnerable generation. He says, several times, he organizes free seminars and skills training, but school owners refuse the teachers to attend fearing that if they get the skills, they will abandon teaching. They also enslave teachers and whoever comes in to help them is seen as an enemy.