VVOB – education for development has been working in Uganda since 2019, in close partnership with the Ministry of Education and Sports, its departments and agencies, and other national institutions. Together, these collaborations focus on strengthening the education system so that every learner can acquire the skills needed to succeed, from foundational literacy and numeracy in primary education to practical agriculture and entrepreneurship in secondary and technical education.

Uganda has one of the youngest and fastest-growing populations in the world, placing significant pressure on the education system. Many children complete the early years of primary school without mastering basic reading, writing, or numeracy skills, limiting their future learning and life opportunities. To address this challenge, VVOB and the Ministry of Education and Sports are embedding UCatchUp into the national system. Built on the proven Teaching at the Right Level approach, UCatchUp enables teachers to assess what learners already know and support their progress in a structured, step-by-step manner.

Beyond foundational skills, VVOB recognizes the importance of aligning education with Uganda’s economic realities. Agriculture remains the backbone of the economy, yet it is often taught theoretically, leaving learners without practical or entrepreneurial competencies. Through its Skilling for Sustainable Futures flagship, VVOB works with national institutions to integrate practical, climate-smart agriculture and entrepreneurship into education, ensuring that learners are equipped with relevant skills to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s long-term development.