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Learning

Introduction to Learning Difficulties – 20th April 2020

Dyslexia – 24th April 2020

Dyscalculia – 27th April 2020

Autism – 4th May 2020

AD(H)D – 1st May 2020

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Parents are an important group of stakeholders we

Parents are an important group of stakeholders we engage with on learning difficulties in children. Together with the teachers and school administrators, they want their children to live to their fullest potential. The parents we have met so far have turned out to be ambassadors, they have gone an extra mile to share the information they got with fellow parents in their communities. During the COVID-19 lockdown, we had a chat with a parent who participated in our meetings in 2019:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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“I shared about learning difficulties in children with my fellow parents in my neighbourhood, as they had never attended any meetings organized by Backup Uganda.” ~ Evelyne Amito⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#BackupUganda #parents #ParentsAsAmbassadors #SpreadTheWord #LeaveNoOneBehind #AllMeansALL #LearningDifficulties #learners #education #InclusiveEducation #reading #writing #uganda #africa #gulu #NonprofitLife #ngo #onderwijs #oeganda #afrika #leerproblemen #leraren #leerlingen #InclusiefOnderwijs #ouders #OudersLaatJeHoren

Dyslexia in a child can be related to motor skills

Dyslexia in a child can be related to motor skills that are not fully developed. It basically means that different parts of the brain and the body are not yet working together well. This can get in their way of learning how to read and write well. Reading and writing also need different parts of the brain and body to work together.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Engaging a child in motor skills exercises can be helpful, so that their brain gets ready for reading and writing. For example, rope skipping at home or at school keep your hands, feet and brain busy at the same time, if you use one rope per person.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#BackupUganda #dyslexia #MotorSkills #ropeskipping #LeaveNoOneBehind #AllMeansALL #LearningDifficulties #learners #education #InclusiveEducation #reading #writing #uganda #africa #gulu #NonprofitLife #ngo #onderwijs #oeganda #afrika #leerproblemen #leraren #leerlingen #InclusiefOnderwijs #dyslexie #motoriek #MotorischeVaardigheden #touwtjespringen

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ba

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Backup Uganda for this milestone in the Frostig Traineeship Program. During this program, I hope to gain more knowledge on inclusive education, skills in identifying & supporting children with learning difficulties, and to acquire skills in training and carrying out follow ups with the teachers, administrators and parents. In return, I will give my full potential towards my work during this traineeship period. I like making friends, doing community work, watching movies and reading novels." ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
~ Joan, Frostig Trainee⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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At Backup, we believe that creating platforms for fresh graduates in the field of inclusive education gives them the opportunity to gain more knowledge and skills as they practice. This leads to widening the network of professionals in the area of inclusive education in the country.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#BackupUganda #FrostigTrainee #traineeship #LearningWhileWorking #graduate #LeaveNoOneBehind #AllMeansALL #LearningDifficulties #learners #education #InclusiveEducation #reading #writing #uganda #africa #gulu #NonprofitLife #ngo #onderwijs #oeganda #afrika #leerproblemen #leraren #leerlingen #InclusiefOnderwijs #LerendWerken #WerkendLeren #afgestudeerd

Have you ever met a child who has a difficulty in

Have you ever met a child who has a difficulty in understanding the relationship between a number and a set of items, or in putting objects into groups? If your answer is yes, then you might have met a child who has dyscalculia. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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It doesn’t mean they struggle with all subjects, usually it's only mathematics and anything else that is numeracy-related. You can help them grow in this by using activities they are interested in as a reference. For example, if they like football, incorporate mathematical concepts using the context of the game. This helps them understand and apply numbers in their daily lives, while maintaining the fun of learning.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#BackupUganda #TuesdayTip #Dyscalculia #mathematics #numeracy #FunWithNumbers #LeaveNoOneBehind #AllMeansALL #LearningDifficulties #learners #education #InclusiveEducation #reading #writing #uganda #africa #gulu #NonprofitLife #ngo #onderwijs #oeganda #afrika #leerproblemen #leraren #leerlingen #InclusiefOnderwijs #dyscalculie #rekenen #wiskunde #PlezierMetGetallen

Last month our team grew bigger and we promised th

Last month our team grew bigger and we promised that you would get to know our new members more in the future. Today, we introduce to you Gertrude - or actually, she will introduce herself: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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"Hello! My name is Gertrude and I am delighted to be part of this organization as a Frostig trainee. I look forward to developing my training skills, building on my knowledge in the field of disabilities and learning difficulties and improving on my communication skills, while working with teachers, student teachers and parents. I am ready to work towards the improvement of the learning environment of learners with learning difficulties. In my free time, I like listening to inspirational talks, traveling, watching movies and documentaries." ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#BackupUganda #traineeship #trainee #WelcomeToTheTeam #FrostigTraineeshipProgram #IntroduceYourself #LeaveNoOneBehind #AllMeansALL #LearningDifficulties #learners #education #InclusiveEducation #reading #writing #uganda #africa #gulu #NonprofitLife #ngo #onderwijs #oeganda #afrika #leerproblemen #leraren #leerlingen #InclusiefOnderwijs #WelkomInOnsTeam #EvenVoorstellen

A child with autism may find it difficult to under

A child with autism may find it difficult to understand other people's facial expressions and body language. Please remember that this does not mean they do not care about how you feel, or that they are not paying attention. It simply means they would benefit from your assistance in learning about nonverbal communication. What do specific expressions mean? What does someone's face look like when the person is relieved, or disappointed? And what could be an appropriate way to respond? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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When you try to understand a child with autism and help where you can, you can support them to live up to their full potential.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#BackupUganda #autism #AutismSpectrum #nonverbal #communication #FacialExpressions #LeaveNoOneBehind #LearningDifficulties #learners #education #InclusiveEducation #reading #writing #uganda #africa #gulu #NonprofitLife #ngo #onderwijs #oeganda #afrika #leerproblemen #leraren #leerlingen #InclusiefOnderwijs #autisme #AutismeSpectrum #NonverbaleCommunicatie #gezichtsuitdrukking

We have come this far as an organisation, and we c

We have come this far as an organisation, and we continue to grow in the way we work with teachers, student teachers, parents and administrators, because we make space for their input. This helps us offer training that is appropriate and truly helpful for the participants we target.
Recently, we had a fruitful discussion with a small group of parents from our partner schools - following all the current regulations, of course. Together, we brainstormed about great ideas on how information on learning difficulties can still reach many parents in Gulu's communities, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. We know you can’t wait to find out what we are up to... #BackupUganda #AskParents #WeLoveFeedback #brainstorm #EngageYourAudience #MeetTheParents #LeaveNoOneBehind #LearningDifficulties #learners #education #InclusiveEducation #reading #writing #uganda #africa #gulu #NonprofitLife #ngo #onderwijs #oeganda #afrika #leerproblemen #leraren #leerlingen #InclusiefOnderwijs #VraagHetAanOuders #ouders #meedenken

It's time for another #TuesdayTip! A child with d

It's time for another #TuesdayTip!

A child with dyslexia often has a difficulty mastering the relationship between the way letters and words look and the way they sound. S/he can be able to communicate quite well by talking, but struggles to read and pronounce words. Does this remind you of a child you know?
One of the many ways you can help this child, is by teaching them letter sounds one by one at a speed they can handle. You can include doing reading and writing activities that involve the new letter sounds. For example, let them sound, and then read a whole word without interrupting them (c-u-p = cup). #BackupUganda #dyslexia #ReadingDisability #LearningToRead #LetterSounds #LeaveNoOneBehind #LearningDifficulties #learners #education #InclusiveEducation #reading #writing #uganda #africa #gulu #NonprofitLife #ngo #onderwijs #oeganda #afrika #leerproblemen #leraren #leerlingen #InclusiefOnderwijs #LerenLezen #dyslexie #dyslectisch #letterklanken

“Fathers can play an important role in teaching

“Fathers can play an important role in teaching equality and respect to their children, breaking the cycle of poverty.” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
~ Ruti Levtov⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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We are delighted to have father figures (teachers, tutors, administrators and parents) attend our training sessions on how they can identify and support children with learning difficulties. And, let's not forget the wonderful, proud dad we have on our team! We believe with their support, their children can reach their full potential in life. Today we join the rest of the world to celebrate the father figures in our lives, because they are our “Heroes”.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#HappyFathersDay #BackupUganda #FathersDay #ProudFather #Dad #FathersOfInstagram #DadsOfInstagram #LeaveNoOneBehind #LearningDifficulties #learners #education #InclusiveEducation #reading #writing #uganda #africa #gulu #NonprofitLife #ngo #onderwijs #oeganda #afrika #leerproblemen #leraren #leerlingen #InclusiefOnderwijs #vaderdag #FijneVaderdag #TrotseVader

The lock down has kept us waiting and now we are e

“To take children seriously is to value them for

“To take children seriously is to value them for who they are right now rather than adults-in-the-making.” ~ Alfie Kohn⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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This is the reason why we go out of our way every day to equip teachers, tutors, student teachers, administrators and parents with knowledge on learning difficulties in children - even when schools are closed. We believe that every African child - just like all children around the world - can achieve their full potential in life and contribute to the development of a nation, as long as their own individual learning needs are met. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Today is the #DayOfTheAfricanChild, and with our feet on African soil, we stand together with everyone around the world to ensure no child is left behind in education.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#BackupUganda #AfricanChild #WeCelebrateYou #LeaveNoOneBehind #EducationInAfrica #LearningDifficulties #learners #education #InclusiveEducation #reading #writing #uganda #africa #gulu #NonprofitLife #ngo #onderwijs #oeganda #afrika #leerproblemen #leraren #leerlingen #DagVanHetAfrikaanseKind #OnderwijsInAfrika

We caught up with Mr Bosco Okech, the deputy head

We caught up with Mr Bosco Okech, the deputy head teacher of Gulu Town Primary School, as he was waiting for parents, caregivers and pupils to come and pick up their home learning packages that Uganda's Ministry of Education and Sports provides. These packages are meant to keep children learning as the country awaits further lifting of the lock down.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Fun detail: are you seeing the #30for30 Reading Campaign shirt he is wearing? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#backupuganda #catchingup #primaryschool #homelearning #MoES #leavenoonebehind #learningdifficulties #learners #education #inclusiveeducation #reading #writing #uganda #africa #gulu #nonprofitlife #ngo #onderwijs #oeganda #afrika #leerproblemen #leraren #leerlingen #bijpraten #basisschool #basisonderwijs #thuisleren

“I have a child in P3 who has shown all the char

“I have a child in P3 who has shown all the characteristics of ADHD. He told me that he is tired of studying. What can I do?" Janet, resident of Layibi - Gulu⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Janet is a parent who called in during one of our recent radio talk shows, while we were discussing Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder (AD(H)D) among children. Children with AD(H)D are often restless and easily get distracted, which leads to a difficulty in concentrating for a longer period of time. So, here's our #TuesdayTip:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Give your child frequent breaks when s/he is doing tasks that take a lot of concentration, like homework. For example, you can guide your child by letting him/her do work for 10 minutes, then allow a 5-minute break, work for another 10 minutes, 5-minute break, et cetera. S/he may take longer completing a task, but by giving them enough time, you give them the chance to learn. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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The key to solutions like this? Sit down with your child and talk about what works best for them! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#backupuganda #ADHD #ADD #concentration #distraction #focus #regularbreaks #leavenoonebehind #learningdifficulties #learners #education #inclusiveeducation #reading #writing #uganda #africa #gulu #nonprofitlife #ngo #onderwijs #oeganda #afrika #leerproblemen #leraren #leerlingen #concentratie #snelafgeleid #samenoplossingenvinden #genoegpauze

Ms Vicky Akumu is one of the parents who regularly

Ms Vicky Akumu is one of the parents who regularly attended our meetings at Gulu Town P/S on how to recognize learning difficulties in your child and how to be supportive. Recently, we asked about her experience of helping her child learn at home, and she had this to say:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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“My daughter attends class on the local television stations, and I also give her some exercises using the notes from her books. Our neighbor has a pupil in Primary 7, so I asked them to help my daughter in some subjects since all schools are closed.” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#backupuganda #parentsinaction #parents #homelearning #communitylearning #learningduringlockdown #leavenoonebehind #learningdifficulties #learners #education #inclusiveeducation #reading #writing #uganda #africa #gulu #nonprofitlife #ngo #onderwijs #oeganda #afrika #leerproblemen #leraren #leerlingen #thuisleren #oudersinactie #samenleren #lerentijdenslockdown

Today's #TuesdayTip:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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When a school-age child exhibits persistent difficulties in basic numeracy and mathematics, s/he might be dealing with #dyscalculia. In other words: they have a difficulty in understanding what numbers are, how to use them, and how to perform both simple and complex mathematical operations. It does not mean this child is not intelligent, or not able to do math at all!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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You can help them by integrating counting and simple math into daily activities. For example, send your child to the shop or market with money to buy food items, and ask them to count aloud the change before they return it to you. This will help grow their counting skills, as they can relate with items they use every day, both at home and school. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#backupuganda #mathdifficulty #mathematics #numeracy #counting #supportyourchild #leavenoonebehind #learningdifficulties #learners #education #inclusiveeducation #reading #writing #uganda #africa #gulu #nonprofitlife #ngo #onderwijs #oeganda #afrika #leerproblemen #leraren #leerlingen #dyscalculie #tellen #rekenen #wiskunde

During this lock down, where schools are closed du

During this lock down, where schools are closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, children and teachers have been at home for over 2 months now. We followed up on the teachers of our partner schools on phone, and we received this update from Ms Daisy Arach, teacher at Gulu Town Primary School:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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“I am digging in my garden, as I couldn’t afford to just sit at home when schools are closed and do nothing. I buy school holiday packages sold by Rupiny newspaper for my own children in P4 and P7. I also give them assignments using text books I borrowed from my school. I mark them and we do corrections together in the evening. I am also helping out my neighbor's two children who are both in P7, following their request.” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#backupuganda #checkin #teachersathome #communityteaching #lockdown #pandemic #learningfromhome #teachingfromhome #homelearning #leavenoonebehind #learningdifficulties #learners #education #inclusiveeducation #reading #writing #uganda #africa #gulu #nonprofitlife #ngo #onderwijs #oeganda #afrika #leerproblemen #leraren #leerlingen #thuisleren #thuislesgeven #thuisdocent

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