Don’t let his stature fool you: Ocwa Alfred Jackson is small, but undeniably feisty. A ball of energy, Alfred was recently accepted into IC’s Reciprocal Teacher Exchange (TReX) program.
Ongiya Calistus Nyeko, one of the most positive, energetic teachers we work with in Uganda.
He approached me, and beaming from ear-to-ear, shook my hand and repeated, “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” After a few minutes, I finally found out what he was talking about: Calistus had just received news that he was heading to the US to participate in Invisible Children’s Reciprocal Teacher Exchange (TReX).
Amono Grace is well-mannered, professional, and confident. Her English is impeccable. She is deliberate with her words, and because she’s personable, chatting with her is easy. Grace is the ideal candidate for the Reciprocal Teacher Exchange (TReX), an initiative that sends Ugandan teachers to the U.S. to team teach for one month.
Grace’s interest in cross-cultural teacher exchange dates back to 2007, when she taught alongside a U.S. teacher who came to Uganda through Invisible Children’s Teacher Exchange (TeX). Even three years later, she recalls how impressed she was by the young American teachers she met—teachers eager to learn about the people, culture, food, and education system of northern Uganda. “What they were doing was commendable,” she added. That exposure and long-lasting impression stirred Grace’s desire to participate in the TReX.
Typically confident, Grace admits she was nervous following her TReX interview. “I was hopeful, but trying to be realistic,” she explained.
It wasn’t until a week later that James, S4S’ Program Manager, rang Grace and prompted the long-awaited phone call. “Why do you think I’m calling?” he began. Grace was shocked to hear the good news. She, alongside five other Ugandan teachers, will head to the U.S. at the end of 2010.
