Joseph Lwanyaga, director of Jireh Junior School in Uganda, has always worn many hats. As a leader in the Ministry of Education, local pastor, and school proprietor of 133 students, his life has been filled with education and service. When he discovered Edify at a training on school finances, he found the support and partnership he didn’t know he needed. Yet God had even more changes in store for Joseph just around the corner. At the time, the Edify team in Uganda was introducing the School Self-Assessment (SSA), a detailed tool for school leaders to evaluate and enhance operations. Annet Mbabazi, Christ-Centered Education Officer Program Lead, often presented the SSA following trainings, encouraging proprietors to use the tool to identify growth areas.
The Power of Collaboration
Joseph frequently attended these trainings, and initially, he hesitated to complete the assessment. With so much going on, it was challenging for Joseph to prioritize something non-urgent. However, Annet’s persistent follow-up and promise to review the results with him persuaded him to participate. Annet vividly remembers the shock on Joseph’s face as they reviewed the results together, “He looked at the graphs and couldn’t believe it. He told me, ‘I am a pastor; how can I get a three out of ten in my school in ‘Exposure to the Word of God’?’ and in ‘Christ-like Behavior,’ I have a two out of ten!’” Annet continued, “I reassured him that this doesn’t need to make you feel bad, reassuring him of his many excellent core values. I said, ‘These are great Christ-like values, but how do you intentionally promote them in the lives of the learners?’”
Tangible Transformation
With all the tasks Joseph had kept himself busy with over the years, he realized he hadn’t been actively promoting the values his school rested upon. Immediately, he initiated a collaborative session with his staff. Together, they drafted a comprehensive follow-up plan, establishing a worship roster and allowing students and teachers to lead weekly sessions, each with a focused theme. The impact was tangible: Discipleship Club attendance surged from 70 to 110 students, and rooms filled with young students worshipping God.
Inspired by Joseph’s journey, neighboring schools adopted the SSA tool, creating a culture of collaboration and accountability. “I believe the school is intentionally improving. Joseph has already encouraged many other school leaders on how SSA benefited his school and how they are using it to improve their school to this day,” Annet adds. Today, as this tool spreads across Edify partner schools in Uganda, it’s helping foster communities of excellence, reinforcing values, and hosting places of opportunity.
