In an initiative aimed at enhancing the educational experience, Ocer Campion Jesuit College in Gulu, Uganda, has launched a foster parenting program designed to bridge the gap between students and educators.

Supported by the African Jesuit AIDS Network (AJAN), this program, which began in November 2024, seeks to go beyond traditional classroom teaching by fostering trust, emotional support, and mentorship.

The youth-led program benefits 491 students from senior four to senior six and was developed in response to the increasing need for a holistic approach to education. Recognizing that academic success is closely linked to emotional and psychological well-being, the college emphasizes that while subjects like mathematics, sciences, and the arts are essential, a nurturing and supportive environment is equally crucial for effective learning.

Teachers participating in the initiative are encouraged to embrace their roles as parental figures, providing guidance and emotional support that extends beyond academics. This shift has allowed students to confide in and trust their teachers more deeply. For many, these foster parents have become the caregivers they never had, offering a much-needed sense of belonging.

To strengthen these vital relationships, foster families within the school are encouraged to meet at least twice a month. These meetings are designed to provoke reflection and empathy, helping students relate their personal experiences to real-life scenarios presented by their mentors.

The college has also conducted training sessions for foster parents, emphasizing their crucial role in supporting and guiding their foster children. The program follows an Ignatian approach, which highlights several key values:

1. Accompaniment: Foster parents are encouraged to be present in their students’ lives, meeting them where they are emotionally and academically.

2. Active Listening: Creating a safe space where students feel heard and understood fosters openness and trust.

3. Personalized Care: Recognizing that every student is unique, the program emphasizes individualized attention to cater to different strengths, weaknesses, and challenges.

4. Unconditional Love: Ensuring that students feel accepted, respected, and valued nurtures their dignity.

5. Protection and Safeguarding: The program acknowledges the shared responsibility of ensuring students feel safe and cared for within the school community.

Ocer Campion Jesuit College remains dedicated to fostering an inclusive and nurturing learning environment where students can thrive not just academically but also socially and emotionally. Early results indicate that the program is successfully strengthening the bonds between students and their educators, reinforcing the school’s mission of holistic education.

As the program continues to evolve, it stands as a testament to the power of mentorship and emotional support in education, paving the way for a brighter future for students in Gulu.

AJAN News {HERE}