Every second that goes by, people are pressed to make good decisions. To do so, they must possess high values, skills and competencies. In today’s fast-paced life, with its technological advancements, demanding work dynamics and socio-economic pressures, parents have limited quality time to interact with their children. Schools, then, become ever more important partners in forming self-aware, responsible and thriving individuals.

However, a recent study conducted by some of our researchers on Uganda’s education system, revealed that there was an almost exclusive reliance on teaching techniques that encourage regurgitation, cramming and rote learning. These methods of teaching do not support critical thinking and the growth of life skills.

To bridge such learning gaps, we run a model; Activate Critical Thinking Now (ACT NOW) in Ugandan secondary schools to enhance the use of high order thinking skills at all education levels. ACT Now adopts a whole system approach, activating critical thinking in learners, teachers and administrators. We journey with teachers to design and implement lesson plans which unlock the power of thinking in learners. We work with school leaders to promote a culture where critical thinking skills are fundamental outcome of education, through contextualized leadership programmes. Our model aims to enhance teachers’ pedagogical practices and highlight pertinent learning outcomes among learners.