Bihanga Community SS – Leading Digital Change in Buhweju

Bihanga Community SS is located in Buhweju District, a rural yet rapidly growing area known for its strong commitment to education. Despite the geographical challenges of rural Uganda, the school has positioned itself as a pioneer in adopting ICT as a key driver of education. This launch not only introduces students to advanced digital skills but also creates a platform for continuous innovation and problem-solving through technology.

In his remarks, the Headteacher, Mutatina Vicent, underscored the importance of ICT for both learning and career readiness. He highlighted the school’s readiness to ensure the success of the ICT Club by:

Providing Resources: Ensuring the availability of computers, software, and internet access for practical training.
Mentorship and Teacher Support: Assigning teachers and staff to mentor the club and offer guidance on technical projects.
Building Partnerships: Collaborating with IT companies, experts, and organizations to provide professional mentorship and resources.
Promoting Participation: Encouraging all students to join and actively contribute to the growth of the club.
Allocating Time and Space: Dedicating scheduled time slots and space for ICT Club activities such as workshops and coding sessions.
Securing Funding: Supporting the club with the necessary financial resources to purchase software, maintain equipment, and organize projects.

Training and Activities During the Launch

The launch event was designed to be as interactive as possible, with students working on real projects to build their confidence in ICT. The training covered:

MIT App Inventor: Students learned to create their first mobile apps, understanding the basics of app design and functionality.
Visual Studio Code: They were introduced to VS Code, a powerful coding environment for building websites and applications.
Basic Robotics: Students explored the fundamentals of robotics, which opened their minds to the possibilities of STEM innovation.
Digital Literacy: Lessons on using technology safely, efficiently, and creatively were discussed.

The students did not just watch – they participated actively in every session, creating sample apps and experimenting with coding. Many students continued practicing independently even after the official session ended, demonstrating their passion and curiosity for ICT.

Why ICT Clubs Matter – Insights from UCC and KAWA

The ICT Club initiative is part of a larger national program spearheaded by UCC and KAWA Uganda to equip secondary school students with 21st-century digital skills. These clubs aim to nurture critical thinkers, problem-solvers, and innovators who can use technology to address community and national challenges.

According to Kyasima Freedom, “ICT is the new language of opportunity, and every student needs to understand it. This club is not just about learning how to use computers but about creating solutions that can transform lives.”

Feedback from Participants

Students expressed gratitude for the opportunity to explore ICT in a practical way. They appreciated the training on mobile app development, robotics, and coding, noting that these skills are essential for their future careers. Many students shared their excitement about participating in future ICT competitions and working on community-based projects.

The ICT Club Patron, Kembabazi Apophia (Tel: 0750378957), assured students of the school’s full support and encouraged them to remain committed to exploring digital skills beyond the classroom.

Challenges and Future Plans

One challenge noted during the session was limited internet connectivity, which affected some online demonstrations. It was recommended that the school explore partnerships with local ISPs and seek technical support to improve its internet infrastructure.

Looking ahead, the ICT Club will meet weekly for structured sessions that will focus on:

Digital literacy and safe internet use.
Advanced app and website development projects.
Computer maintenance and troubleshooting.
Creative ICT competitions and innovation challenges.

UCC and KAWA Uganda have committed to providing ongoing mentorship, resources, and access to the KAWA CONNECT platform, which offers a wide range of digital learning tools for students.

Conclusion

The launch of the ICT Club at Bihanga Community SS is more than just a single event; it is the beginning of a digital revolution in Buhweju. With 57 passionate students, the support of the school administration, and mentorship from UCC and KAWA, the ICT Club is set to become a center for innovation, creativity, and problem-solving.

As Headteacher Mutatina Vicent noted, “This club will not only enhance learning but will prepare our students for a future where digital skills are the key to success. We are grateful to UCC and KAWA for making this dream a reality.”