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Written by: Amardeo Sarma

Promoting Scientific Thinking Through Practice and Educational Support

From 8 to 12 June 2026, Kasese Municipal High Humanist School in Uganda held its second Science Week this year.

The five-day program combined practical experiments, targeted academic support, and real-world learning experiences. Its aim was to strengthen students’ scientific understanding, foster critical thinking, and improve preparation for national examinations. The event was widely attended by students and staff and has been described by the school as one of the most impactful academic activities of the year.

Hands-on Science and Real-World Learning

A central element of the program was the strong emphasis on practical learning. Students conducted experiments in chemistry, biology, physics, and agriculture, applying theoretical knowledge in a structured and supervised environment.

In addition, an outdoor field study along the Nyamwamba River enabled students to observe environmental and scientific phenomena directly. Guided by teachers, participants were encouraged to ask questions and connect classroom concepts with real-world contexts, making the learning experience both interactive and memorable.

Focus on Examination Skills

An important component of Science Week was support for examination preparation. Two experienced national examiners provided dedicated tutorial sessions, explaining how examinations are assessed and how marks are awarded.

Students received practical advice on answering techniques, time management, and strategies for maximising performance in science subjects. This direct insight into examination processes is particularly valuable in helping students translate their knowledge into measurable academic success.

A Supportive Learning Environment

To ensure that students could fully engage in the intensive program, the school provided daily refreshments, and the week concluded with a shared meal for the entire school community.

Such measures contribute to a positive and inclusive learning environment, reinforcing motivation and creating a sense of shared achievement among students, teachers, and facilitators.

Scientific Temper Perspective

Scientific Temper supports educational initiatives that strengthen scientific literacy, critical thinking, and evidence-based reasoning. Science Week at Kasese Municipal High Humanist School is a concrete example of how targeted support can create meaningful educational impact.

Three aspects are particularly relevant from our perspective:

• First, the integration of theory and practice. Hands-on experiments and field studies allow students to experience science as a method for understanding the world, rather than as a purely abstract subject.
• Second, the focus on critical thinking and examination literacy. Understanding how knowledge is evaluated helps students move beyond rote learning and develop structured reasoning skills.
• Third, the importance of motivation and community. Providing a supportive environment, including shared activities and recognition of effort, strengthens students’ engagement with learning.

The feedback from the school indicates that students gained not only knowledge and practical skills but also renewed confidence and motivation. This aligns with Scientific Temper’s broader goal of empowering young people to approach the world with curiosity, rational inquiry, and a commitment to evidence-based thinking.

Outlook

Scientific Temper intends to continue and expand its support for science education initiatives of this kind. Another Science Week is already planned for later this year, building on the positive experience and strong results achieved in June.

Beyond Kasese, Scientific Temper is also exploring opportunities to support similar programs in additional schools in Africa and India. The aim is to extend access to high-quality science education, practical learning experiences, and critical thinking tools to a broader group of students.

Science Week 2026 demonstrates that focused interventions can make a measurable difference. Expanding such initiatives has the potential to multiply this impact and strengthen the scientific temper as a foundation for education across different regions.

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Written by: Amardeo Sarma

In September 2025, the Kasese Humanist School in western Uganda hosted its first Science Week – a vibrant celebration of curiosity, critical thinking, and the power of education. Supported by Scientific Temper, the event brought together students, teachers, and community members to explore science through experiments, talks, and interactive activities.

The week highlighted the importance of science education in addressing local and global challenges. From understanding climate change to exploring health and technology, students engaged with real-world issues through a scientific lens. The event also emphasized humanist values, encouraging open inquiry, evidence-based thinking, and respect for reason.

For Scientific Temper, supporting this initiative is part of a broader commitment: to promote universal thinking and empower young people—especially in the Global South—with the tools to shape their own futures. Africa is a continent of the future, and education is key to unlocking its potential.

You can read the full English version of the article on Substack here:
👉 Science Week in Uganda – Education and Empowerment in Action

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Written by: Amardeo Sarma

Our support for the Kasese School in Uganda in 2024

Scientific Temper has supported the Kasese Humanist School in Uganda through various initiatives to enhance students' educational experiences. This support has been made possible thanks to the generous contributions from our donors, both individuals and foundations, and we hope to continue these activities with their ongoing support.

Highlights

Scientific Temper provided laboratory materials for the secondary section of the Kasese Humanist School. These materials have significantly improved the learning process, particularly in practical chemistry, biology, and physics examinations. The school's director, Robert Bwambale Musubaho, expressed gratitude for the continued support, emphasizing that progress is achievable with science.

With our funding, the school has illuminated the Rukoki school campus, including classrooms, the school hall, the library, and the laboratory. Solar lights were also installed in the Municipal High Humanist School office and the boys' and girls' dormitories. This initiative has enhanced the safety and learning environment for the students.

To further improve the school's learning conditions, we funded 20 classroom chairs, which have been coated with varnish to enhance the students' comfort while learning. The wooden tables were added to the science laboratory, and metallic benches were added to the library, making students' concentration possible while using the library. We will continue to help improve the school's infrastructure.

Acknowledgment and Future Support

These achievements were only possible due to the gracious donations from our supporters. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all donors and hope for their continued generosity in sustaining and expanding these vital activities. The Giordano Bruno Foundation has also pledged its support for Scientific Temper, reinforcing our mission to promote a scientifically open-minded attitude and advance science education.

We also thank Dr Benedikt Matenaer for his involvement in significantly increasing our donations.

The school director, Musubaho, writes, "The future of Uganda lies in empowering young people with education and skills. Science knowledge provides a great foundation for achieving this. Thanks to Scientific Temper for supporting our school project.”

Please check here to see how you can donate to help us sustain our support for the school.

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Written by: Amardeo Sarma

Thanks to donations from and via Dr Benedikt Matenaer, we were able to continue our support of the Kasese Humanist School in Uganda.

This time, our support was used to equip the library. Not everything is finished yet, but the students can already sit more comfortably. The school reports on this on its homepage.

The 20 chairs that are to be set up in the classrooms have been coated with a layer of varnish so that the students at the Municipal High Humanist School, a secondary wing of the Kasese Humanist School, can sit better while learning. The tables are still being worked on.

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Written by: Amardeo Sarma

Our support has helped light up the Rukoki school campus, which is well illuminated at night. Lights were installed in the classrooms for the entire secondary school, the school hall, the library, and the laboratory. Solar lights were also added in the Municipal High Humanist School office. The boys' and girls' dormitories have also benefitted.

Here, we see the solar panels being installed.

And the lights come on:

At Scientific Temper, we are glad to see our support being used to help the pupils. Keep up the good work!

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Written by: Amardeo Sarma

We have received the pictures from the secondary section doing a chemistry practical exam with laboratory material bought with our support.

We also received this video:

The Director of the school writes:

I'm sharing some images of our secondary section students at Municipal High Humanist School doing a practical chemistry examination. 

The lab supplies covering apparatuses and reagents have simplified the learning process, and my science teachers, too love to do their work.

Special thanks to Scientific Temper for continuing to support Kasese Humanist School. 

With science, we can progress. 

Yours sincerely, 
Robert Bwambale Musubaho
Director, Kasese Humanist School