Small Habits, Big Dreams at Kalinabiri Primary School.

On 22nd September 2026, the Open World Foundation (OWF) team was hosted by Kalinabiri Primary School in Ntinda to interact with the candidate class. The school had requested support on a key theme: Discipline. We were privileged to be part of this engagement. At OWF, we work with young people because we believe that every child, wherever they start, deserves the chance to open up their world.

The session was led by our project officer education Alinda Lourance, and the Research and documentation officer Melanie Justice Komakech. They spoke to the pupils plainly and kindly. Discipline can sound like a heavy word, so they explained it in simple terms: Discipline is choosing to do the right thing, even when nobody is watching and even when it is not the easiest thing to do.

What we told the pupils

Listen well. Teachers, parents and elders have walked the road you are on. When you listen, you learn faster and save yourself many mistakes.

Be on time and be prepared. Arriving early, carrying your books and doing your homework are small habits, and they build a strong character.

Dress appropriately. The way we dress shows how we respect ourselves, our school and others. We encouraged the pupils to keep their school uniform clean, neat and worn properly, and to dress in a way that suits the place and the occasion. Dressing well does not mean expensive clothes. It means taking care of yourself and showing that you are ready to learn.

Respect others. Respect for your teachers, classmates and school property makes a school a happy place where everyone can learn.

Choose your friends wisely. Good friends encourage you to do better. Be the kind of friend who pulls others up, not down.

Own your mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes. A disciplined child says sorry, learns from it and tries again.

Focus on your goals. As candidates, the pupils are close to an important exam. We reminded them that every hour of study and every act of good behavior now is an investment in their future.

Our message was simple: you are capable of more than you think. Young people do best when they receive encouragement and clear guidance, and this is the kind of support OWF is committed to giving.

We thank the school administration and teachers for welcoming us. We hope this visit is a small step that helps these young people finish their primary education strongly and move forward with confidence.

Follow OWF to see more of our work with schools and young people across communities.