My name is Ssendagire. I am a teacher by profession and currently a Senior Teacher and Director of Studies at Masanafu Secondary School, a role I’ve served in for nearly a decade. My journey into teaching wasn’t the straightest road, but it was paved with people, moments, and lessons that shaped not just the teacher I am, but the man I’ve become.

I, Ssendagire knew I wanted to be a teacher from as early as four years old. But like many children growing up, I dreamed of being a doctor or a pilot. Back then, those were the only professions we could clearly imagine. I even remember pretending to fly using leaves, thinking I was already a pilot in my little world. That dream quickly faded when I grew older and realised how complex it really was. I then turned my focus to becoming a doctor, but the sciences proved too challenging. Eventually, I shifted toward the arts, and unknowingly, that path would lead me into education.

In secondary school, I Ssendagire was a notoriously stubborn student. In Senior Two, I once knocked my biology teacher on the head during a lesson. He didn’t beat me or even raise his voice. He simply said, “I pray you become a teacher one day, and someone does this to you, and we see how you will feel.” I didn’t understand the weight of his words then. But years later, after A-level, I ran into the same teacher. He asked if I had applied for university and helped me fill out the government scholarship forms. Surprisingly, I was offered a place in the education program. I wasn’t thrilled at first, but with time, I embraced it. I studied under government sponsorship and graduated.

My former school invited me to help out as a discussant, assisting fellow teachers. That’s where I truly caught the love for teaching. The school even encouraged me to continue my studies while teaching. By the time I completed my degree, I already had real experience. I was trusted and given responsibilities. Within two years, I became the examinations master. Later, in 2016, I was appointed Director of Studies, a role I continue to serve in with passion.

Over the years, I’ve had many joyful moments in my career, but one stands out above all. A boy named Hatim was brought to me in Senior Two. He had an intellectual disability, and honestly, I doubted he would progress. His mother insisted he continue coming to school. Over time, I took a special interest in him. He sat for his Senior Four exams and managed to score a grade of four. That was already a miracle. But the real joy came when he joined Senior Five and Six. Against all odds, Hatim scored 16 points at A-level. It was a moment of deep pride and the happiest in my career. Seeing someone defy expectations like that made every effort worth it.

On the flip side, my saddest moment came in 2018. We lost one of our most disciplined and promising girls to sickle cell anaemia. She was obedient, sharp, and active both in and outside class. Her passing shook me. We were actually preparing for a school trip when the news came in. We had to cut the trip short just to attend her burial. That loss still lingers.

Teacher Ssendagire ‘s childhood was full of mischief, too. I remember in Primary Seven, my friend Rashid and I played a silly game where if you spoke any Luganda during the day, your shoelaces would be tied together. I held out all day until one English word refused to come, and I just said it in Luganda. Rashid tied my laces so tight I couldn’t undo them. My dad came to pick me up in the evening, and I had to walk like a robot. When he saw my struggle, he wondered why I wasn’t moving well. I lied and told him I had a wound on my feet. He stopped a boda-boda and asked me to sit. That’s when he realised I couldn’t because my laces were actually tied together. He gave me a well-deserved slap and then bought a razor blade to cut the laces. That memory still makes us laugh to this day.

Life hasn’t always been smooth, but I’m lucky to have people who give me strength. My parents, my wife, and even my bosses are my go-to. Whenever life gets hard, I know where to turn. And above all, waking up each day alive is a motivation in itself.

I’ve learned over time not to judge people too quickly. My office, especially as Director of Studies, has brought me face-to-face with parents and students from all walks of life. Humility and understanding are now central to how I relate with people. I don’t rush decisions. I follow procedures, and I stay focused on my set path.

Art has played an important role in transforming our learners, Masanafu SS. I’ve seen firsthand how it brings out the best in them. It gives them a voice, confidence, and even therapy. I remember when two students, Tabaro Alex and Charlotte, had their artworks published in a Faces Up magazine. That kind of exposure inspired not just them, but many others. Art teaches discipline, focus, and the ability to express feelings that they might not be able to say out loud.

One memorable change was in how our students used to walk. Yes, the mode of walking! When they came from primary school, they moved clumsily, dragging their shoes, shouting, and bumping into each other. One day, Faces Up introduced an art mentorship chart that encouraged students to observe their posture. I decided to make it our theme of the week, “The Way We Move.” It worked wonders. Suddenly, students walked with purpose, order, and pride. These small changes mean a lot.

I’ve come to believe that education needs to move beyond theory. Talent-based learning should be taken seriously. Subjects like art, agriculture, and other practical disciplines should be given more room. They develop real skills and creativity. When students are allowed to explore what they’re naturally good at, they flourish.

I, Ssendagire have always told fellow teachers to first understand their learners. I remember a girl who kept falling asleep in class. Many would’ve punished her, but I discovered she was working at her mother’s fast food stall every night until 3 am and only sleeping for two hours. Understanding changed everything. We must listen more and judge less.

I also encourage teachers to research. Today’s students are digital. They can Google anything. If you’re not informed, they’ll know. We must keep learning, too.

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