{"id":154976,"date":"2025-05-23T10:29:38","date_gmt":"2025-05-23T07:29:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/?post_type=post&p=154976"},"modified":"2025-05-23T10:31:15","modified_gmt":"2025-05-23T07:31:15","slug":"we-do-this-together-a-volunteer-in-ugandas-refugee-settlements","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/ajankohtaista\/blogi\/we-do-this-together-a-volunteer-in-ugandas-refugee-settlements\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2018We do this together\u2019 \u2013 a volunteer in Uganda\u2019s refugee settlements."},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u2018We do this together\u2019 \u2013 a volunteer in Uganda\u2019s refugee settlements.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"A
Marjut (R) talks with a teacher at a school in Uganda.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

By Marjut Vaihkonen, Teachers Without Borders (TWB) volunteer<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A warm welcome to the Pearl of Africa<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

IN EARLY<\/strong> February 2025, my colleague Hagos Berhane and I arrived in Obongi District, Northern Uganda, from Finland to begin our volunteer journey with Teachers Without Borders (TWB).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finn Church Aid (FCA) works closely with Teachers Without Borders (TWB) in Uganda to enhance the quality and inclusivity of education in refugee settlements and host communities. Through this partnership, FCA leverages TWB\u2019s expertise and volunteer network to provide targeted teacher training, professional development, and mentorship programs tailored to the unique challenges of crisis-affected contexts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Africa isn\u2019t exactly new to me. I\u2019ve visited Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia. But working professionally in Uganda since February has been a very different experience from being a tourist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Uganda, often called the Pearl of Africa, has certainly lived up to its name. Its endless greenery and stunning landscapes continue to amaze me\u2014even after eight trips between Kampala and Obongi district, I still haven\u2019t wanted to close my eyes for even a quick nap, I only want to soak in the views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The people have also left a deep impression on me: Ugandans are the most welcoming and friendly people I\u2019ve ever met. If I forget to greet someone, they make sure to call out, \u201cHow are you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why I Joined TWB<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Volunteering through TWB has been a long-held dream of mine. I never envisioned retirement as simply a time to rest. Instead, I wanted to use my experience to support others and FCA offered the perfect opportunity. Through this programme, I\u2019ve been able to share my skills with teachers who work tirelessly to ensure that every child has the right to education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A
Marjut helped facilitate Teachers\u2019 Learning Circles, which are safe, peer-led spaces for teachers to discuss current classroom challenges and strategies.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s been a great privilege to be part of this chain. Beyond contributing professionally, I\u2019ve gained so much: insights into African culture, exposure to education in refugee contexts, a taste of Uganda\u2019s rich culinary offerings\u2014goat, tilapia, millet, matoke(bananas), rolex (rolled chapati and eggs), and more and most importantly, a deeper understanding of myself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m grateful for my supportive colleague Hagos and the entire FCA Uganda office team. I hope to continue volunteering in some way for as long as I\u2019m still \u201cyoung and healthy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The TOGETHER Project<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In Uganda, I was assigned to support the Towards Greater Effectiveness and Timely Humanitarian Education Response (TOGETHER) project<\/a>\u2014an initiative implemented by Finn Church Aid (FCA) and funded by European Union Humanitarian Aid. Its goal is to provide access to quality, inclusive formal and non-formal education for South Sudanese and Sudanese refugees, asylum seekers, and children from host communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I work closely with Hagos on the project in Palorinya refugee settlement, Obongi district, West Nile Uganda.\u00a0 Our work entails bringing perspectives from the Finnish education system while also learning from the incredibly dedicated local teachers we collaborate with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many people ask, \u201cWhat exactly are you doing there?\u201d Here\u2019s a glimpse into our work on the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Teacher Training in Crisis Contexts<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just two weeks after settling in, we facilitated a two-day Teachers in Crisis Contexts (TiCC) training. This involves equipping educators with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively teach and support learners in challenging environments, such as refugee settlements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the TiCC materials were new to us, FCA had provided a comprehensive toolkit. Though the curriculum could easily fill several weeks, we condensed it into one intensive weekend. With help from the colleagues at the office, we prioritised key themes: Hagos led sessions on Teacher Wellbeing, while I focused on Learner Wellbeing, Learning Styles, and Child Development. We co-facilitated sessions on Classroom Management, quickly learning each other\u2019s strengths, philosophies, and styles\u2014laying the foundation for the strong collaboration that has defined our work here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

School Monitoring: Learning by Doing<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We participated in school monitoring visits alongside stakeholders from the District Education Office, Office of the Prime Minister, school leadership, Village Education Committees (VECs), and implementing partners. Initially, I felt uncertain\u2014after all, I\u2019m not a school inspector! But the process turned out to be inclusive and multidisciplinary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Everyone brought their own expertise: whether evaluating learning environments, school management, classroom instruction, or community engagement. I soon found my own role and perspective within this dynamic team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Support Supervision: Encouraging, Not Evaluating<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In support supervision sessions, we observed classes and reflected on teaching practices based on eight criteria: language use, atmosphere, discipline, learner-centred methods, inclusiveness, assessments, and the learning environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While some issues\u2014like infrastructure\u2014were out of the teachers\u2019 hands, our goal was never to point out faults. Instead, we focused on creating safe spaces for growth and reflection. Most teachers already knew where they wanted to improve\u2014we simply helped facilitate that journey with encouragement and shared dialogue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A
Marjut worked in Palorinya refugee settlement, Obongi district, West Nile Uganda. The work entails bringing perspectives from the Finnish education system while also learning from the incredibly dedicated local teachers we collaborate with.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Teachers\u2019 Learning Circles: Sharing Successes and Struggles<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We also facilitated Teachers\u2019 Learning Circles, which are safe, peer-led spaces for teachers to discuss current classroom challenges and strategies. During one session, we revisited TiCC homework where teachers had applied one or two new classroom management tools. Whether successful or not, every experience brought valuable lessons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We explored the “Big Five” proactive strategies\u2014positive discipline, engagement, routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement\u2014while recognising that reactive tools also have their place. Those who had tried new approaches inspired others. I highly recommend schools continue hosting these peer-led discussions to foster professional growth and camaraderie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Child Safeguarding: Learning Through Laughter<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our Child Safeguarding sessions began with realistic classroom scenarios, prompting teachers to respond with how they would act. From their responses, we introduced FCA\u2019s nine safeguarding principles and co-created a mind map for future reference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Later, teachers revisited the same scenarios in shuffled groups, and the wrap-up unexpectedly turned into a joyful set of roleplays and sociodramas. The laughter and shared creativity deepened the learning, making even this serious topic memorable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cultural and Emotional Adjustments<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

FCA prepared us well for the challenges of working in a refugee-hosting district\u2014from accommodation to the tough realities teachers face. Yet, what surprised me most was the talent, commitment, and eagerness of the teachers here. They are doing an incredible job for their learners and are genuinely enthusiastic about professional development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another delightful adjustment has been the food. Uganda tastes amazing\u2014especially when meals are shared with friends. From matoke to cassava, and from guavas to the beloved rolex, every dish has added to this rich experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Power of \u201cTOGETHER\u201d<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The most fulfilling part of this TWB experience has been the fieldwork\u2014being present with teachers, learning alongside them, and exchanging ideas. We didn\u2019t come with all the answers. What we brought was enthusiasm, open minds, and a willingness to co-create solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The teachers here have embraced every part of this journey\u2014discussions, roleplays, peer sharing, and games. They\u2019ve reminded us how powerful collaborative learning can be. At the heart of it all is one simple truth: We do this together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

—<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read more about Teachers Without Borders<\/a> and how to get involved if you are an education professional. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u2018We do this together\u2019 \u2013 a volunteer in Uganda\u2019s refugee settlements. By Marjut Vaihkonen, Teachers Without Borders (TWB) volunteer A warm welcome to the Pearl of Africa IN EARLY February 2025, my colleague Hagos Berhane and I arrived in Obongi District, Northern Uganda, from Finland to begin our volunteer journey with Teachers Without Borders (TWB). […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":200,"featured_media":154990,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"150640,148218,128559,134729,121626,144261","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","_improvement_type_select":"improve_an_existing","_thumb_yes_seoaic":false,"_frame_yes_seoaic":false,"seoaic_generate_description":"","seoaic_improve_instructions_prompt":"","seoaic_rollback_content_improvement":"","seoaic_idea_thumbnail_generator":"","thumbnail_generated":false,"thumbnail_generate_prompt":"","seoaic_article_description":"","seoaic_article_subtitles":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[354],"tags":[],"countries":[],"article_themes":[552],"class_list":["post-154976","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-education","article_themes-education-in-emergencies"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n\u2018We do this together\u2019 \u2013 a volunteer in Uganda\u2019s refugee settlements. - FCA Finn Church Aid<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Finn Church Aid (FCA) works closely with Teachers Without Borders (TWB) in Uganda to enhance the quality and inclusivity of education in refugee settlements and host communities. Through this partnership, FCA leverages TWB\u2019s expertise and volunteer network to provide targeted teacher training, professional development, and mentorship programs tailored to the unique challenges of crisis-affected contexts.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/ajankohtaista\/blogi\/we-do-this-together-a-volunteer-in-ugandas-refugee-settlements\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"\u2018We do this together\u2019 \u2013 a volunteer in Uganda\u2019s refugee settlements. - FCA Finn Church Aid\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Finn Church Aid (FCA) works closely with Teachers Without Borders (TWB) in Uganda to enhance the quality and inclusivity of education in refugee settlements and host communities. Through this partnership, FCA leverages TWB\u2019s expertise and volunteer network to provide targeted teacher training, professional development, and mentorship programs tailored to the unique challenges of crisis-affected contexts.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/ajankohtaista\/blogi\/we-do-this-together-a-volunteer-in-ugandas-refugee-settlements\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"FCA Finn Church Aid\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Ulkomaanapu\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-05-23T07:29:38+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-05-23T07:31:15+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Pic-three-4_HD-1.jpeg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1915\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1113\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Marjut Vaihkonen\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Marjut Vaihkonen\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/ajankohtaista\/blogi\/we-do-this-together-a-volunteer-in-ugandas-refugee-settlements\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/ajankohtaista\/blogi\/we-do-this-together-a-volunteer-in-ugandas-refugee-settlements\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Marjut Vaihkonen\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/#\/schema\/person\/3b4dd52310c17f93a735e03b767684b6\"},\"headline\":\"\u2018We do this together\u2019 \u2013 a volunteer in Uganda\u2019s refugee settlements.\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-05-23T07:29:38+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-05-23T07:31:15+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/ajankohtaista\/blogi\/we-do-this-together-a-volunteer-in-ugandas-refugee-settlements\/\"},\"wordCount\":1257,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/ajankohtaista\/blogi\/we-do-this-together-a-volunteer-in-ugandas-refugee-settlements\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Pic-three-4_HD-1.jpeg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Education\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/ajankohtaista\/blogi\/we-do-this-together-a-volunteer-in-ugandas-refugee-settlements\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/ajankohtaista\/blogi\/we-do-this-together-a-volunteer-in-ugandas-refugee-settlements\/\",\"name\":\"\u2018We do this together\u2019 \u2013 a volunteer in Uganda\u2019s refugee settlements. - FCA Finn Church Aid\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/ajankohtaista\/blogi\/we-do-this-together-a-volunteer-in-ugandas-refugee-settlements\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/ajankohtaista\/blogi\/we-do-this-together-a-volunteer-in-ugandas-refugee-settlements\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Pic-three-4_HD-1.jpeg\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-05-23T07:29:38+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-05-23T07:31:15+00:00\",\"description\":\"Finn Church Aid (FCA) works closely with Teachers Without Borders (TWB) in Uganda to enhance the quality and inclusivity of education in refugee settlements and host communities. Through this partnership, FCA leverages TWB\u2019s expertise and volunteer network to provide targeted teacher training, professional development, and mentorship programs tailored to the unique challenges of crisis-affected contexts.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/ajankohtaista\/blogi\/we-do-this-together-a-volunteer-in-ugandas-refugee-settlements\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/ajankohtaista\/blogi\/we-do-this-together-a-volunteer-in-ugandas-refugee-settlements\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/ajankohtaista\/blogi\/we-do-this-together-a-volunteer-in-ugandas-refugee-settlements\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Pic-three-4_HD-1.jpeg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Pic-three-4_HD-1.jpeg\",\"width\":1915,\"height\":1113,\"caption\":\"The most fulfilling part of this TWB experience has been the fieldwork\u2014being present with teachers, learning alongside them, and exchanging ideas. We didn\u2019t come with all the answers. What we brought was enthusiasm, open minds, and a willingness to co-create solutions.\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/ajankohtaista\/blogi\/we-do-this-together-a-volunteer-in-ugandas-refugee-settlements\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"\u2018We do this together\u2019 \u2013 a volunteer in Uganda\u2019s refugee settlements.\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/\",\"name\":\"Kirkon Ulkomaanapu\",\"description\":\"Suomen suurin kehitysyhteisty\u00f6j\u00e4rjest\u00f6\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/#organization\"},\"alternateName\":\"KUA\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Kirkon Ulkomaanapu\",\"alternateName\":\"KUA\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Kirkon-ulkomaanapu-logo-1.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Kirkon-ulkomaanapu-logo-1.png\",\"width\":225,\"height\":225,\"caption\":\"Kirkon Ulkomaanapu\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Ulkomaanapu\/\",\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/kirkonulkomaanapu\",\"https:\/\/instagram.com\/kirkon_ulkomaanapu\/\",\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/finn-church-aid\/\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/#\/schema\/person\/3b4dd52310c17f93a735e03b767684b6\",\"name\":\"Marjut Vaihkonen\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/e46fdb0ca9698b02e30a23c4cfe54fb36650db602824de83cd9c46a8db96794b?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/e46fdb0ca9698b02e30a23c4cfe54fb36650db602824de83cd9c46a8db96794b?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Marjut Vaihkonen\"}}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"\u2018We do this together\u2019 \u2013 a volunteer in Uganda\u2019s refugee settlements. - FCA Finn Church Aid","description":"Finn Church Aid (FCA) works closely with Teachers Without Borders (TWB) in Uganda to enhance the quality and inclusivity of education in refugee settlements and host communities. Through this partnership, FCA leverages TWB\u2019s expertise and volunteer network to provide targeted teacher training, professional development, and mentorship programs tailored to the unique challenges of crisis-affected contexts.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/ajankohtaista\/blogi\/we-do-this-together-a-volunteer-in-ugandas-refugee-settlements\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"\u2018We do this together\u2019 \u2013 a volunteer in Uganda\u2019s refugee settlements. - FCA Finn Church Aid","og_description":"Finn Church Aid (FCA) works closely with Teachers Without Borders (TWB) in Uganda to enhance the quality and inclusivity of education in refugee settlements and host communities. Through this partnership, FCA leverages TWB\u2019s expertise and volunteer network to provide targeted teacher training, professional development, and mentorship programs tailored to the unique challenges of crisis-affected contexts.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/ajankohtaista\/blogi\/we-do-this-together-a-volunteer-in-ugandas-refugee-settlements\/","og_site_name":"FCA Finn Church Aid","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Ulkomaanapu\/","article_published_time":"2025-05-23T07:29:38+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-05-23T07:31:15+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1915,"height":1113,"url":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Pic-three-4_HD-1.jpeg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Marjut Vaihkonen","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Marjut Vaihkonen","Est. reading time":"7 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/ajankohtaista\/blogi\/we-do-this-together-a-volunteer-in-ugandas-refugee-settlements\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/ajankohtaista\/blogi\/we-do-this-together-a-volunteer-in-ugandas-refugee-settlements\/"},"author":{"name":"Marjut Vaihkonen","@id":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/#\/schema\/person\/3b4dd52310c17f93a735e03b767684b6"},"headline":"\u2018We do this together\u2019 \u2013 a volunteer in Uganda\u2019s refugee settlements.","datePublished":"2025-05-23T07:29:38+00:00","dateModified":"2025-05-23T07:31:15+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/ajankohtaista\/blogi\/we-do-this-together-a-volunteer-in-ugandas-refugee-settlements\/"},"wordCount":1257,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/ajankohtaista\/blogi\/we-do-this-together-a-volunteer-in-ugandas-refugee-settlements\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Pic-three-4_HD-1.jpeg","articleSection":["Education"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/ajankohtaista\/blogi\/we-do-this-together-a-volunteer-in-ugandas-refugee-settlements\/","url":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/ajankohtaista\/blogi\/we-do-this-together-a-volunteer-in-ugandas-refugee-settlements\/","name":"\u2018We do this together\u2019 \u2013 a volunteer in Uganda\u2019s refugee settlements. - FCA Finn Church Aid","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/ajankohtaista\/blogi\/we-do-this-together-a-volunteer-in-ugandas-refugee-settlements\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/ajankohtaista\/blogi\/we-do-this-together-a-volunteer-in-ugandas-refugee-settlements\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Pic-three-4_HD-1.jpeg","datePublished":"2025-05-23T07:29:38+00:00","dateModified":"2025-05-23T07:31:15+00:00","description":"Finn Church Aid (FCA) works closely with Teachers Without Borders (TWB) in Uganda to enhance the quality and inclusivity of education in refugee settlements and host communities. Through this partnership, FCA leverages TWB\u2019s expertise and volunteer network to provide targeted teacher training, professional development, and mentorship programs tailored to the unique challenges of crisis-affected contexts.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/ajankohtaista\/blogi\/we-do-this-together-a-volunteer-in-ugandas-refugee-settlements\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/ajankohtaista\/blogi\/we-do-this-together-a-volunteer-in-ugandas-refugee-settlements\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/ajankohtaista\/blogi\/we-do-this-together-a-volunteer-in-ugandas-refugee-settlements\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Pic-three-4_HD-1.jpeg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Pic-three-4_HD-1.jpeg","width":1915,"height":1113,"caption":"The most fulfilling part of this TWB experience has been the fieldwork\u2014being present with teachers, learning alongside them, and exchanging ideas. We didn\u2019t come with all the answers. What we brought was enthusiasm, open minds, and a willingness to co-create solutions."},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/ajankohtaista\/blogi\/we-do-this-together-a-volunteer-in-ugandas-refugee-settlements\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"\u2018We do this together\u2019 \u2013 a volunteer in Uganda\u2019s refugee settlements."}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/","name":"Kirkon Ulkomaanapu","description":"Suomen suurin kehitysyhteisty\u00f6j\u00e4rjest\u00f6","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/#organization"},"alternateName":"KUA","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/#organization","name":"Kirkon Ulkomaanapu","alternateName":"KUA","url":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Kirkon-ulkomaanapu-logo-1.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Kirkon-ulkomaanapu-logo-1.png","width":225,"height":225,"caption":"Kirkon Ulkomaanapu"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Ulkomaanapu\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/kirkonulkomaanapu","https:\/\/instagram.com\/kirkon_ulkomaanapu\/","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/finn-church-aid\/"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/#\/schema\/person\/3b4dd52310c17f93a735e03b767684b6","name":"Marjut Vaihkonen","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/e46fdb0ca9698b02e30a23c4cfe54fb36650db602824de83cd9c46a8db96794b?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/e46fdb0ca9698b02e30a23c4cfe54fb36650db602824de83cd9c46a8db96794b?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Marjut Vaihkonen"}}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post\/154976","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/200"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=154976"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post\/154976\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":154997,"href":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post\/154976\/revisions\/154997"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/154990"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=154976"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=154976"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=154976"},{"taxonomy":"countries","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/countries?post=154976"},{"taxonomy":"article_themes","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article_themes?post=154976"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}