Implementation of a partnership to improve applied science education among women in Uganda

The economic, education, and health problems facing Uganda are immense. The average life span is around 42 years of age. Health clinics, potable [drinkable] water and electricity are not readily available for most citizens in rural areas. Many of the public schools and universities lack the facilities to adequately support education in the physical and biological sciences. The literacy rate needs to be improved to promote better understanding of health matters. In the summer of 2004 three electrical engineering faculty members from Pennsylvania colleges went on a study tour of western Uganda in response to an invitation from community leaders in the Bunyoro-Kitara region. The goal of the visit was to assess needs and challenges in science education. The team visited 12 secondary schools, three elementary schools and two universities. The team was surprised and encouraged by the number of Ugandan women students at each level committed to a career in science. The team had extensive discussions with parents, community leaders, science teachers, head teachers and female students and collected data to try to quantify the reasons for the intense interest. The team also observed students in the classes and toured science laboratories and school facilities. Follow up visits and dialogues lead to the development of a partnership among parents, community leaders, church leaders, educational leaders and the visiting engineering faculty team. Strategies have been developed and are being implemented that address the challenges of recruiting Ugandan women into the fields of science and technology as well as developing a support system to ensure their success. At the college level we have characterized the five core areas of molecular biology.