News

Education and Happiness?

When I lived in Uganda, I asked mothers and fathers what they wanted for their children; they all said education. But education is not mentioned much by parents in the USA as a response to what we ...

Transforming Education in Sub-Saharan Africa

Happy World Teacher’s Day from all of us at STEPi! In honour of World Teacher’s Day, we wanted to discuss the impact and needs of teachers, specifically those in Sub-Saharan Africa. The COVID-19 c...

Inspiring Positive Learning

When Abel, 13, was asked to imagine any meaningful English word to represent the letter ‘L’, which made up part of the spelling of his name, he was quick and confident to think of his school name, ...

Butterflies and Parenting

Children learn, but what do we want them to learn?  Do we want them to learn to be persistent? Good communicators? Good at relationships? Respectful? Happy? Self-reliant? A self-starter? Able to r...

Why Emmanuel Can’t Read

“What age group is the book for?” a former parliamentarian asked, as he looked into my eyes for an answer. “Age 0 to age 88,” I answered. He continued looking at me, and clarified, “I mean, is it...

Children and Books Belong Together

“Did you see the reading materials we gave Abel last week?” asked the headteacher. “I kept them safe in my suitcase, Mr Headteacher,” answered Abel’s father. Mr Headteacher knew that the reading m...

Books should go further than the internet

Books should go further than the internet. After all, the latter is only used by those who can read and write. Reading to comprehend is a luxury very few children can afford in Alelelele, a villag...

Kind Words For A Kind World

Be kind in your words: Whereas sticks and stones may break bones, words may shatter your child’s dreams.  What are words? Kind. Hate. Friendly. Powerful. Weapons. So, what are your words to your c...

Assertive, Not Aggressive

Assert your guidance as a parent: Do not hurt the future of your child! Your children try their hardest, and have their own aspirations and hobbies. They want to do what they want to do with their...

Refugee Literacy Outreach in Uganda by Africa ELI

Through our STEPi Uganda partners Africa ELI, led by Utopia’s Executive Director Zaharah Namanda and our dedicated STEPi ambassadors, we continue to serve Uganda's most vulnerable communities. From...