Club Partnering with Organizations
ICT Club Uganda Training Guide
Partnering with Organizations
Welcome, ICT Club members! In this session, you’ll learn how to extend the reach of your projects by connecting with external organizations and individuals. Partnerships are key to growing your impact and bringing your innovative solutions to more people.
In this session, you will:
- Identify organizations or individuals you can partner with to build your project.
- Explore how partnerships can help you grow your project’s impact and get users for your product.
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Why Are Partnerships Important?
As ICT Club members working on technology projects that solve real problems in your community, you don’t have to work alone. There are many organizations, schools, companies, and individuals already doing work that aligns with your goals. These can become your powerful partners.
A partner is more than just someone helping; a true partner is:
- Someone or an organization working toward the same goal.
- Someone who shares resources, knowledge, or platforms.
- Someone who also benefits from working with you (a win-win situation).
Real Example from Uganda:
Let’s say your ICT Club is building an app to help farmers get real-time weather updates and market prices.
�🏿🌾 Potential Partners:
- Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA) – they already provide weather data and may allow you to access it.
- NAADS (National Agricultural Advisory Services) – they work with farmers and could help introduce your app.
- MTN or Airtel Uganda – they can offer SMS services to reach farmers without smartphones.
- KAWA Uganda or UCC Innovation Hub – they can give technical advice or connect you to mentors.
🤝 How Both Sides Benefit:
- **You:** Get data, access to users, and visibility for your project.
- **Them:** Improve their services, reach more people, or test their solutions with youth innovation.
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How to Find a Partner
Identifying the right partners is a strategic step. Here are effective ways you can start looking:
Strategy | Example |
---|---|
Ask around in your school or club | “Does anyone know an organization helping farmers?” |
Search online | “Organizations supporting girls’ education in Uganda” |
Visit a local radio or community centre | They often work with different groups and NGOs. |
Ask a teacher, ICT trainer, or mentor | They may already have contacts you can use. |
Look at district offices or youth programs | There could be NGOs working in health, education, farming. |
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Steps to Reach Out to a Partner
Once you’ve identified potential partners, it’s time to make contact. Whether you’re writing, calling, or meeting in person, follow these professional steps:
-
**Introduce yourself and your ICT Club**
“We are learners at [School Name], part of an ICT Club working on community digital solutions.” -
**Explain your project and its purpose**
“We are developing a tool to help youth access career information.” -
**Say why you are contacting them**
“We know you run a youth mentorship program. We’d love to explore working together.” -
**Describe the benefit to them**
“You could reach more young people using our app, and we can improve it using your advice.”
📞 Sample Phone Script
“Hello, my name is Mary. I’m part of the ICT Club at Namutumba Secondary School. We’re working on a project that helps students access career guidance. We think your organization might be doing similar work, and we’d love to explore how we can support each other. May I speak to someone who handles partnerships or youth programs?”
*Tip: If no one answers, leave a polite message and remember to try again.*
✍️ Sample Email
Subject: Partnership Opportunity with ICT Club Project
Dear [Name/Organization],
I am a member of the ICT Club at [School Name] in [District], Uganda.
We are working on a community project that [briefly describe your project and goal]. We have learned about the great work you are doing with [state the area, e.g., supporting farmers, helping youth].
We believe there is a great opportunity for us to partner. Your support could help us reach more users and improve our solution. In return, we would be happy to share our digital product with your team or community members.
We would be grateful for a chance to speak or visit your office.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[ICT Club Name / School]
[Phone Number / Email]
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📝 Activity: Identify 2–3 Possible Partners
In your groups, brainstorm and write down at least two organizations or people you can contact for a partnership. Fill in the details below for each potential partner.
Partner 1 Details
Partner 2 Details
Partner 3 Details (Optional)
Take action: Contact your identified partners!
Record the date, time, and whom you contacted. If they don’t respond, set a reminder to try again next week.
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Reflection: How Did It Go?
Reaching out to partners is a valuable learning experience. Take a moment to reflect on your outreach efforts using the space below.
Reaching out to partners is not always easy—but it’s powerful. It shows courage, initiative, and professionalism.
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Summary
- Partnerships can significantly strengthen your ICT Club project.
- A good partner gives and gains from the relationship, creating a mutual win-win.
- Always use clear, respectful, and professional communication when reaching out.
- Don’t give up if you don’t get an immediate reply—persistence is key; try again or adjust your approach.