STEPUP Standard Limited

08/08/2026

We are looking for 30 Youth Monitors for a year-long mentorship program co-monitoring the effectiveness of climate smart agriculture technologies, innovations and management practices (CSA TIMPS) along the sorghum value chain in Teso. Submit your CVs to [email protected] by August 16, 2026.
Only apply if you’re unemployed & out of school.

05/08/2026

During a meeting with patron teachers supporting learners in the STEPUP Essay Competition, participants explored ways to strengthen partnerships with schools and better support patrons in guiding students.

Key reflections included:
- Patron teachers encouraged greater collaboration within schools, for example, literature teachers working alongside agriculture or science teachers to provide students with both strong writing skills and technical knowledge.
- Teachers observed that incorporating multiple creative avenues increases student interest and participation. They cited last year’s competition, delivered in partnership with NREP, which combined essay writing with skits and clean cooking demonstrations, as a particularly successful model.
- Beyond essay writing, teachers identified debates as another engaging platform for promoting learning and dialogue on clean cooking and sustainable food systems among learners.

05/08/2026

In 2020, two STEPUP staff went from school to school introducing the organization and the Essay Competition, meeting teachers who were curious, and sometimes skeptical.

Today, many of those same teachers have become the backbone of this initiative. They organize workshops to help students understand the competition themes and essay writing, review drafts when requested, and even lend their personal devices so learners can research and submit their entries. Their commitment extends far beyond the classroom.

The trust we've built with these dedicated educators has also opened doors to deeper partnerships with their schools.

To every teacher who has walked this journey with us, thank you. Your belief in young people continues to make this competition possible.

04/08/2026

Watch our Executive Director, Dr Sara Namirembe, talk about our ongoing research on sorghum CSA technologies and why we’re working with youths.

https://youtu.be/8PcY6DhrlJs?si=Tslp5qDGP3CXq5fM

Why are young people still avoiding agriculture despite the massive...

01/08/2026

Co-monitoring of Climate-Smart Agriculture Technologies, Innovations, Management Practices and Strategies (CSA TIMPS) Project. Following the stakeholder consultation held last month, the project team met on 21 July 2026 to refine the draft data collection tools. The revisions incorporated stakeholder recommendations to ensure the tools effectively capture implementation data and align with the project's monitoring indicators. The revised tools focus on:
- Monitoring the effectiveness of sorghum CSA TIMPS.
- Assessing CSA TIMPS deployment methods.
- Mobilization, training, engagement, and mentoring of youth in CSA TIMPS monitoring.

31/07/2026

Congratulations to the winners of our 2026 Essay Competitions.

31/07/2026

On Saturday, 25th July, 2026, we celebrated the young people who participated in our 2026 Essay Competition at Luigi Giussani High School, Kireka. This year, we received over 325 submissions from 34 schools and Institutions, with learners exploring sustainable food systems and the clean energy transition in refugee settlements. Beyond the awards, the day was defined by meaningful conversations, peer learning, impact stories, creative poems and story readings, and the unwavering support of teachers who continue to champion their learners every step of the way. Despite the suspension of school excursions and traffic disruptions caused by the , the enthusiasm and resilience of everyone who attended made the celebration truly memorable. To every learner, teacher, school leader, reviewer, partner, and supporter, thank you for believing in the power of young voices. Congratulations to all our participants and winners!

31/07/2026

On Saturday, 25th July, 2026, we celebrated the young people who participated in our 2026 Essay Competition at Luigi Giussani High School, Kireka. This year, we received over 325 submissions from 34 schools and institutions, with learners exploring sustainable food systems and the clean energy transition in refugee settlements. Beyond the awards, the day was defined by meaningful conversations, peer learning, impact stories, creative poems and story readings, and the unwavering support of teachers who continue to champion their learners every step of the way. Despite the suspension of school excursions and traffic disruptions caused by the , the enthusiasm and resilience of everyone who attended made the celebration truly memorable. To every learner, teacher, school leader, reviewer, partner, and supporter, thank you for believing in the power of young voices. Congratulations to all our participants and winners!

30/07/2026

Think you know Food Systems? It’s time to prove it. Our upcoming Live Quiz is just around the corner. Sharp questions, fast pacing, and bragging rights (plus prizes) are on the line. Secure your spot now. Email us at [email protected]

13/07/2026

Need I say more? It is quiz time

Reach out on [email protected]