June 3, 2020
Quote of the week

“We have a chance to do something extraordinary. As we head out of this pandemic we can change the world. Create a world of love. A world where we are kind to each other. A world where we are kind no matter what class, race, sexual orientation, what religion or lack of or what job we have. A world we don't judge those at the food bank because that may be us if things were just slightly different. Let love and kindness be our roadmap.” -  Johnny Corn
Country Updates
Kenya: Members, led by the learner centred teaching (LCT) thematic group hosted a twitter chat on May 19 to share recommendations from their experience in response to COVID 19 school closures across Kenya. The LCT group reached out to marginalized communities with the aim of ensuring no child is left behind during this crisis.
Uganda: On May 20, Dr. Goretti Nakabugo, Executive Director of Uwezo Uganda and RELI Uganda Country co-Chair in partnership with the Rotary Club of Lugogo Mango Tree hosted a webinar to discuss the implications of the prevailing learning outcomes of learners in reference to literacy and numeracy that have overtime, remained relatively low (Uwezo 2018) vis-à-vis the current crisis- COVID-19. She narrated her own experience living in the mid 80s where she was forced to leave school for about six months due to the civil war. Some key reflective thoughts from the webinar: What do we want from our learners? Is it to simply complete the curriculum once schools re-open or to understand their varied learning levels so as to consequently enable them learn proactively for better life outcomes
Lynne Murphy and members of RELI Uganda hosted a webinar on the relevance of critical thinking strategies as an approach to meaningful teaching and learning on May 21, 2020. Reflections on pedagogy, basics of learning, contexts, norms, values, the meaning of schooling versus learning and the need to support teachers to refocus on meaningful education took center stage. Some of the recommendations proposed by the team include; exposure of teachers to critical thinking methodologies, revamping of the teaching curriculum, modification of examination taxonomies, classroom restructuring, policy reforms, building of agency, shift of power dynamics and an all-round continuous assessment of learner progress. The team will develop a write up of the recommendations for further engagement with relevant policy stakeholders.
Tanzania: As part of supporting learning during the COVID 19 pandemic, the leadership team met on May 19 to discuss and approve the draft of RELI Tanzania response position paper. Each thematic group is expected to prepare their response plans that will jointly contribute to the paper.

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