Stories for Inclusion Uganda – A Strong Start

In February 2026, we launched the pilot project Stories for Inclusion Uganda with inception meetings in Pakwach and Nebbi Districts in Northern Uganda, with technical support from Biblionef Netherlands. ProVictimis (Switzerland) funds the pilot, with additional support from UNESCO Netherlands.

We build on successful experiences in Bangladesh and use storybooks to promote inclusive education. During the pilot year, we are working with eight schools, focusing on pre-primary and lower primary classes.

We brought storybooks from Bangladesh, including My Name is Runa, from the Netherlands and collected additional inclusive storybooks at Pangea Publishing House in Kampala. Each pilot school will receive a small “mini-library” of inclusive storybooks. At the same time, we are exploring the development of a new storybook in Uganda, which we plan to share later with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, where partners are preparing similar activities.

We are currently seeking funding to continue the project after the first pilot year.

Training teachers and building a community

A Training of Trainers workshop was held in Pakwach, bringing together trainers, district education staff, and school leaders. The workshop built on the experience of the participants and led to the creation of a Community of Practice, so that teachers and trainers in both districts can continue to learn from each other.

Participants also helped to adapt the teacher training materials to better fit the Ugandan context.

“Our goal is that teachers learn how to recognise and remove barriers that exclude children with disabilities, so that every child can participate and enjoy equal rights.”

In Uganda, storybooks are widely used in early grades as part of the thematic curriculum. However, teachers, parents and community volunteers need guidance on how to use stories in different ways — for reading lessons, library time, class discussions, or role-play activities.
Although English is taught in school, local languages are used in daily teaching. In Pakwach this is Leb Jonam, and in Nebbi Alur, which means that stories often need to be told in the local language as well.

With strong cooperation between schools, communities and local partners, Stories for Inclusion Uganda has made a promising start toward more inclusive classrooms where every child belongs.