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Zwolle, The Netherlands - Gulu, Uganda

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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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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

Today's #TerrificTip:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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If your child has dyslexia, it means s/he has difficulties with writing down words s/he hears and reading out words s/he sees. Dyslexia cannot be cured, but with enough help from home, school and sometimes other experts, someone with dyslexia can still learn well. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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One of the ways you can support a child with dyslexia, is by reading aloud stories to them. You can make this extra helpful by letting the child read along with the text as you talk, by following the text with their finger at your reading speed.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#backupuganda #dyslexia #dyslexiatip #readaloud #supportreading #practicemakesperfect #leavenoonebehind #learningdifficulties #learners #education #inclusiveeducation #reading #writing #uganda #africa #gulu #nonprofitlife #ngo #onderwijs #oeganda #afrika #leerproblemen #leraren #leerlingen #dyslexie #voorlezen #hulpbijlezen #oefeningbaartkunst

Our focus is getting everyone on board when it com

Our focus is getting everyone on board when it comes to inclusive education, with a bias in learning difficulties among children. We may not physically reach your home or school right now, but we can equip you with knowledge on how to support your child or learner with a (possible) learning difficulty to reach their full potential in life. We have the recordings of our recent radio talk shows ready for you! The current lock down hasn’t stopped us from unlocking our own creativity and innovation. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Please follow the link in our bio to the recordings (in Acoli)!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#backupuganda #onair #radiotalkshow #audio #learnaboutlearning #leavenoonebehind #learningdifficulties #learners #education #inclusiveeducation #reading #writing #uganda #africa #gulu #nonprofitlife #ngo #onderwijs #oeganda #afrika #leerproblemen #leraren #leerlingen #radio #opderadio #radioopname

“I have a child who has 95% of the characteristi

“I have a child who has 95% of the characteristics of autism that you mentioned. I have difficulties in handling my child.” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Gertrude (a parent and resident of Layibi division, Gulu district)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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This was one of the listeners that decided to call in during our radio talk shows over the past weeks. We know not everyone was able to listen to these shows, so...we will be sharing a weekly #TuesdayTip here!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Today, we are starting with autism. Upon hearing that many children with autism like spending time alone, parents often ask us: should we make them play with other children, so that they get used to it? Our answer: please don't. While it can be helpful to assist your child in learning how to interact with others, forcing is not the solution. Instead, try finding out from your child what they are comfortable with and come up with a way forward together. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#backupuganda #autism #autismspectrum #advice #tip #communicate #autismtip #leavenoonebehind #learningdifficulties #learners #education #inclusiveeducation #reading #writing #uganda #africa #gulu #nonprofitlife #ngo #onderwijs #oeganda #afrika #leerproblemen #leraren #leerlingen #autisme #overleg

On a normal working day, we would sit in our offic

On a normal working day, we would sit in our office at @theinnovationvillage for a staff meeting to plan for the week, month or quarter. We would have (and still have!) regular video calls with the @frostigschool team, to share our experiences of working with parents & teachers on issues related to learning difficulties among learners. However, due to the #COVID19 pandemic, we now have ALL our staff meetings and discussions via whatsapp and video calls from our homes - with the occasional rooster or wobbly internet connection interrupting. Determined to reach our #goals, flexible in our #strategies! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#backupuganda #workingfromhome #zoomzoomzoom #videocall #flexible #leavenoonebehind #learningdifficulties #learners #education #inclusiveeducation #reading #writing #uganda #africa #gulu #nonprofitlife #ngo #onderwijs #oeganda #afrika #leerproblemen #leraren #leerlingen #thuiswerken #videobellen #flexibel

"Is there an association between being female and

"Is there an association between being female and having dyscalculia? Most of them fear anything to do with numbers.” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Teacher Okello (Radio listener)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Radio talk shows are one of our strategies to create awareness about learning difficulties that learners may be facing. We’ve reached out to over 7,000 people in communities within and outside Gulu district in just 3 weeks. We were able to reach people in their homes, even in areas our team would not have reached physically just yet.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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We were amazed by the public's response, as they kept calling in during and after the talk shows, asking for more information. Did you miss out listening to our talk shows? Don't worry, we’ve got you covered! Soon we will be sharing some of the topics on this platform, so stay tuned or hit our inbox for prompt feedback.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Oh, and the answer to teacher Okello's question? There is no link between being female and having dyscalculia (a learning disability in numeracy & mathematics)! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#backupuganda #dyscalculia #onair #ontheradio #talkshow #radio #sensitization #leavenoonebehind #learningdifficulties #learners #education #inclusiveeducation #reading #writing #uganda #africa #gulu #nonprofitlife #ngo #onderwijs #oeganda #afrika #leerproblemen #leraren #leerlingen #dyscalculie #opderadio #radioprogramma

When a child is asleep, a mother's attention is on

When a child is asleep, a mother's attention is on the child's stomach.” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
African proverb⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Every time we hold a parents meeting on learning difficulties at our partner schools, about 85% of the attendees are mothers to the learners. We are honored to work together with you in supporting children with learning difficulties to achieve their full potential in life. Words are not enough, nothing can be compared to your commitment and unconditional love towards your children.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Happy #InternationalMothersDay!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#backupuganda #happymothersday #mothersday #loveofamother #momsofinstagram #leavenoonebehind #learningdifficulties #learners #education #inclusiveeducation #reading #writing #uganda #africa #gulu #nonprofitlife #ngo #onderwijs #oeganda #afrika #leerproblemen #leraren #leerlingen #fijnemoederdag #moederdag #mama

Happy Birthday Backup Family! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
May is a special month, as we celebrate our 4th year in operation in Uganda. In these 4 years, we have impacted close to 22,000 learners by training 181 primary school teachers, 166 student teachers, 454 parents, and 461 other education professionals at 6 primary schools, 1 primary teachers college and 8 partner organisations (not counting the ones we've added this year!). We wouldn’t have come this far without you! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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During this continued lock down, we would like to celebrate our birthday by dedicating it to the people at the front line, fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences. You are not only saving lives; you are making sure we can get 'back to school' as soon as possible!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Is your birthday this month? Why not use it to call for more attention for COVID-19 front liners? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#backupuganda #COVID19 #frontliners #lockdown #thankyou #happybirthday #birthdaycelebration #itsourbirthday #leavenoonebehind #learningdifficulties #learners #education #inclusiveeducation #reading #writing #uganda #africa #gulu #nonprofitlife #ngo #onderwijs #oeganda #afrika #leerproblemen #leraren #leerlingen #wijzijnjarig #4jaarinOeganda

Today is #GivingTuesdayNOW! It is an extra day of

Today is #GivingTuesdayNOW! It is an extra day of generosity, a day to add your impact on many lives by helping us continue with our work.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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The COVID-19 pandemic is taking its toll on all sectors around the globe. Nonprofits are feeling this too, with grants and donations being paused, postponed or cancelled. This directly affects our team and the (student) teachers, parents and administrators we work with. Yet, we are still doing everything we can to show our resilience and continue creating more awareness of learning difficulties within communities in Northern Uganda.

If you become one of our monthly donors through GlobalGiving, they will match your first monthly donation with a full 100%! Double your impact and help us continue our work, no matter the circumstances❤️ Click the link in our bio to sign up. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#backupuganda #generosity #becomeamonthly donor #GlobalGiving #donationsmatched #helpnonprofitsthroughthepandemic #leavenoonebehind #learningdifficulties #learners #education #inclusiveeducation #reading #writing #uganda #africa #gulu #nonprofitlife #ngo #onderwijs #oeganda #afrika #leerproblemen #leraren #leerlingen #steunnonprofits

“Before attending the parents meeting on learnin

“Before attending the parents meeting on learning difficulties, I used to think a child who does not perform well at school was dull. So I blamed my child for his lack of seriousness and commitment in his academics. But since that day, I learnt that some children have learning difficulties, which affect their learning. So, they need special attention while being taught in class. Even myself, I now talk to him, guide and encourage him.” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Mr Francis Obur, PTA member at Gulu Town Primary School⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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During this COVID-19 lock down, we cannot have parents meetings as it is safer to stay at home. Therefore, we are coming to your home through your radio set, to share more on how you can identify and support children with signs of possible learning difficulties, now that 'home' has become 'school'. Tomorrow (Friday), we will be talking about AD(H)D at 5pm on 102.1 Mega Fm (or use the live stream: https://megafm.co.ug). Tune in to learn more about concentration and hyperactivity!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#backupuganda #ADHD #ADD #sensitization #parentsmeeting #newstyle #socialdistancing #backuponair #ontheradio #leavenoonebehind #learningdifficulties #learners #education #inclusiveeducation #reading #writing #uganda #africa #gulu #nonprofitlife #ngo #onderwijs #oeganda #afrika #leerproblemen #leraren #leerlingen #opderadio #leeroverleerproblemen

“It's an interesting experience, working from ho

“It's an interesting experience, working from home. I don't have to hurry up because I am late for work, since the bedroom is my office as well. It's not like I wake up and start work, but I have to first do house chores, take breakfast, then start work. Currently, I am working on data entry from our trainings with speed school facilitators and student teachers from Christ the King PTC. I get a lot of interference at my door every time, people calling me out to help with cooking and shopping, forgetting that I am working from home. Most of the time I work beyond 5pm to compensate for the time spent on other things, and I accomplish what I had planned to do for the day. This situation continues until further notice.” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Glades Lanyero, Lead Trainer ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#staysafe#stayhome #workingfromhome #homeoffice #dataentry #backupuganda #leavenoonebehind #learningdifficulties #learners #education #inclusiveeducation #reading #writing #uganda #africa #gulu #nonprofitlife #ngo #onderwijs #oeganda #afrika #leerproblemen #leraren #leerlingen #thuiswerken #thuiskantoor #afleiding

“A challenge only becomes an obstacle when you b

“A challenge only becomes an obstacle when you bow to it.” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Ray A. Davis⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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As Backup, we are not backing out due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, we are moving forward with the agenda of leaving no one behind. We are continuing our radio talk shows to reach more community members than we ever have before, to create awareness about learning difficulties that exist among children. Do you work with children? Do you have children? Do you know children (of course you do!)? Tune in every Monday and Friday at 5 pm on 102.1 Mega Fm or live stream: https://megafm.co.ug.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Tomorrow's topic: dyslexia!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#dyslexia #onair #ontheradio #talkshow #sensitization #awareness #backupuganda #leavenoonebehind #learningdifficulties #learners #education #inclusiveeducation #reading #writing #uganda #africa #gulu #nonprofitlife #ngo #onderwijs #oeganda #afrika #leerproblemen #leraren #leerlingen #opderadio #bewustvanleerproblemen

“You may think our work is slowing down now that

“You may think our work is slowing down now that we are working from home, but we’re busier than ever! Most of my days are taken up by evaluation reports that help us learn from the impact we have had on our partner schools and PTCs so far, which feeds into our long term strategic planning. As you know, we are preparing for radio talk shows as well, plus a number of other ways we can reach many people with our information without having to meet them physically. So far, I’m doing alright working from home, but I miss my colleagues.” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Annemaaike Kruisselbrink, Uganda Country Director⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#staysafe #stayhome #workingfromhome #homeoffice #busydays #backupuganda #leavenoonebehind #learningdifficulties #learners #education #inclusiveeducation #reading #writing #uganda #africa #gulu #nonprofitlife #ngo #onderwijs #oeganda #afrika #leerproblemen #leraren #leerlingen #thuiswerken #blijfthuis #drukkedagen

We have continued with our work amidst this COVID-

We have continued with our work amidst this COVID-19 pandemic. We may have changed some of our strategies, but we are still focused on our vision! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Starting tomorrow (Monday 20th), we kick off a series of radio talk shows on learning difficulties. This will raise awareness among parents and other community members about the various ways children learn best - at school, and at home! The talk shows will be live on 102.1 @megafmgulu , a local radio station in Gulu with a wider coverage in the Northern region. Spread the word in your community and tune in at 5pm on radio or livestream: https://megafm.co.ug. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#knowledgeispower #radiotalkshow #onair #MegaFM #sensitization #backupuganda #leavenoonebehind #learningdifficulties #learners #education #inclusiveeducation #reading #writing #uganda #africa #gulu #nonprofitlife #ngo #onderwijs #oeganda #afrika #leerproblemen #leraren #leerlingen #opderadio #radioshow

In this time of the COVID-19 pandemic that has aff

In this time of the COVID-19 pandemic that has affected system operations across the entire globe, we asked our staff to start working from home as a precautionary measure for their safety. Starting today, they will share their experience on how they are coping with the situation:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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“This has been a revelation moment for me. I created my own office space at home, and I have scheduled myself to start work at 9am up to 4:30 pm. Of course, sometimes I am disrupted when I have to listen to our president’s COVID-19 updates in the country on the television.” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Fred Onyango - Fundraising & Communications Coordinator⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#Stayhome #Staysafe #Savelives #backupuganda #Covid19 #Coronaupdate #workfromhome #homeoffice #leavenoonebehind #learningdifficulties #learners #education #inclusiveeducation #reading #writing #uganda #africa #gulu #nonprofitlife #ngo #onderwijs #oeganda #afrika #leerproblemen #leraren #leerlingen #thuiswerken #thuiskantoor

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do s

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Helen Keller⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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We don't work in isolation, but we partner with local and national government departments to see that each learner reaches their full potential in life. That is the reason why we trained District Education Officers and Inspectors of Schools from Gulu and neighboring districts on learning difficulties through our partner organization Geneva Global. This means that they can better support head teachers and teachers in all the schools in their respective districts, ensuring that no child is left behind.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#backupuganda #partners #GovernmentofUganda #localgovernment #nationalgovernment #trainall #empowerment #leavenoonebehind #learningdifficulties #learners #education #inclusiveeducation #reading #writing #uganda #africa #gulu #nonprofitlife #ngo #onderwijs #oeganda #afrika #leerproblemen #leraren #leerlingen #werkenmetdeoverheid #trainiedereen

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