Ndejje University was honored to host Prof. EunMi Cho, a distinguished Professor of Education at California State University, USA, on Friday, May 30, 2025, at the Graduate School, Kampala Campus. A globally respected expert in Special and Inclusive Education, Prof. Cho has contributed extensively to the development of teacher credential programs and has trained educators in countries including Uganda, Malawi, Kenya, the Philippines, China, South Korea, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Mexico since 2002.
Prof. Cho’s collaboration with Ndejje University began through a strategic initiative led by the Vice Chancellor, Rev. Can. Prof. Olivia Nassaka Banja, aimed at developing curricula in Inclusive and Special Needs Education. Initial engagements were conducted virtually, with her visit marking the first in-person interaction to further the partnership.
She was accompanied by Dr. Daniel Kim, founder of the Joy Center, and Mama Jinhee Kim, Co-Director of the Joy Center. The delegation was warmly received by the Dean of the Faculty of Education, who chaired the meeting and introduced the academic staff present.
In remarks delivered on behalf of the Academic Registrar, Mr. Fredrick Kyazze, Deputy Academic Registrar, expressed appreciation to Prof. Cho for her invaluable guidance in the development of the Postgraduate Diploma in Inclusive and Special Needs Education. He noted that the draft curriculum had already been submitted to the Directorate of Quality Assurance for review—an essential step prior to submission to the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) for accreditation.
The Vice Chancellor formally welcomed Prof. Cho and her delegation, conveying the University’s gratitude for the continued mentorship and partnership. She expressed optimism regarding the accreditation of the postgraduate diploma and encouraged the team to initiate development of a Bachelor’s program in Inclusive and Special Needs Education. She also proposed formalizing the institutional collaboration between Ndejje University and California State University.
Prof. Cho led a productive discussion focused on the draft curriculum, providing constructive feedback and suggesting key revisions to ensure alignment with both local and international standards. The curriculum team was tasked with integrating her recommendations for final review.
The visit concluded with a professional development session delivered by Prof. Cho titled, “Disabilities and Best Practices.” Her presentation emphasized global approaches to disability, advocating for inclusive learning environments that uphold the rights and dignity of children with disabilities.
This visit marked a significant milestone in Ndejje University’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusive education and build meaningful international academic partnerships.
