This spring, a team of Marymount University educators traveled over 7,000 miles to rural eastern Uganda on a journey marked by connection, collaboration and the shared pursuit of meaningful education.
Dr. Elizabeth Langran, Professor of Education, and Dr. Nicci Dowd, Assistant Professor of Education, led a group of diverse educators to the Bududa District from April 9-19 to provide teacher training and professional development through Marymount’s longstanding partnership with REACH for Uganda. The team worked with teachers and administrators at Arlington Junior School, the local secondary school, and Matuwa Junior School—sharing workshops, modeling interactive techniques and, most importantly, learning from one another.
While the trip’s goal was to support teachers with new strategies in student-centered and active learning, mutual growth was also a defining theme. “We are here to learn from you” became a central message repeated throughout the week as the Marymount team emphasized the value of cultural exchange and professional collaboration.
“Since my first trip to the Arlington Junior School in Uganda in 2015, I have found meaningful work in collaborating with teachers who demonstrate teaching from the heart,” Dr. Langran said. “It’s a special place where, despite challenging home situations, teachers and students come with an incredible attitude and embrace learning. It’s been a joy to witness the transformation of U.S. teachers and Marymount students who have traveled to Uganda over the years. Many have kept in touch, and I know it transforms their classroom practice.”
Since 2011, Marymount has partnered with REACH for Uganda to support the professional development of Ugandan teachers. The Arlington Junior School, founded by John and Joyce Wanda to bring the American model of education to their home village, now stands as a beacon of innovation and opportunity.
Marymount’s contributions—through annual in-person trips, virtual training modules developed during the COVID-19 pandemic and continued involvement of faculty, students and alumni—have helped equip teachers with practical tools that elevate instruction in classrooms that often serve up to 50 students with minimal materials.
Dr. Langran led this year’s professional development sessions with hands-on workshops that included microscopy activity supported by Dr. Glen Bull from the University of Virginia, who provided training equipment. These sessions modeled practical ways to introduce active learning strategies, differentiation, collaborative learning and project-based learning—methods that are not widely taught in Uganda due to limited resources and large class sizes, but which REACH for Uganda seeks to make more accessible. In addition to teacher training, over 180 parents attended a dedicated engagement session that provided a platform for sharing their hopes and dreams for their children.
The trip also included several touching moments of hospitality and community. From warm welcome ceremonies and heartfelt home visits to a shared hike through the hills with students and teachers led by John Wanda, the group experienced deep connection beyond the classroom. Following a visit to Matuwa Junior School, the team was invited to a celebratory meal at the home of Joyce Wanda’s mother—a gesture of welcome and gratitude.
The experience left a lasting impression on participants, including Marymount Ed.D. student Simoné Loudd.
“I was incredibly grateful for the opportunity to travel to Uganda. Teaching outside the country has always been on my educator’s bucket list,” Loudd shared. “The experience exceeded anything I could have imagined. The passion for learning, deep sense of community and resilience I witnessed left a lasting impact on me personally and professionally. This journey has sparked a renewed sense of purpose, inspiring me to reflect on how I can give back and create a more meaningful impact in the lives of others.”
As the 2025 trip concluded, the Marymount team left the Bududa District with renewed inspiration and a deeper appreciation for the shared power of education thanks to the relationships they formed.
“We can’t thank you enough for the seeds of transformation, inspiration and hope you all have planted in our hearts.”
