St. Gonzaga SS Kagoma Ushers in a New Era of Digital Empowerment through ICT Club Launch

On 25th November 2024, St. Gonzaga Secondary School Kagoma, located along the Jinja–Kamuli Road in Kagoma County, became the latest beneficiary of Uganda’s digital literacy revolution through the successful launch of its ICT Club. This initiative, coordinated by KAWA Uganda in partnership with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), was part of a broader national effort to promote digital transformation in secondary schools across Uganda.

The day began with an inspiring and democratic election of ICT Club leaders. Students gathered with enthusiasm to vote for their preferred candidates, with the entire election process conducted transparently and peacefully under the supervision of impartial observers. The newly elected leaders expressed deep appreciation to their peers and pledged to steer the club with dedication and innovation, marking a promising start to the club’s journey.

The training, facilitated by KAWA Uganda, attracted 67 participants including students and teachers. Held in the school’s computer lab, the training session aimed at addressing key challenges in the integration of ICT into school systems. These challenges included limited sustainability of ICT labs, gaps in digital skills beyond basic computer use, poor access to reliable connectivity, and low awareness of ICT’s potential in national development. The training objectives focused on strengthening ICT lab sustainability, enhancing digital skills through hands-on learning, and introducing students and teachers to offline digital content such as the KAWA Connect device.

Participants were introduced to the basics of computational thinking, programming fundamentals, and strategies for managing ICT resources effectively. A major highlight was the practical session on developing basic digital solutions to address local challenges. Using tools like Visual Studio Code and KAWA Connect, students explored coding and digital content development in an engaging and interactive manner. These sessions were enriched with group discussions and real-life simulations to help learners grasp the value of ICT in problem-solving.

Feedback from the students reflected the immense value of the training. Tabitha Apolot, a Senior Two student, said, “The training was very engaging and exciting. I learned how to use computers to create solutions, and now I feel confident about exploring programming and technology.” Another student, Muwanguzi Isaac, noted that the hands-on activities helped him understand how to manage the school ICT lab. Maria Tibindorwa, also in Senior Two, shared that she now understands computational thinking and how it can be applied to solve problems in the community. Nangobi Ruth appreciated the KAWA Connect device, saying it was a game-changer for their school, which struggles with reliable internet access.

The headteacher, Kiwanuka N. Annet, and the deputy headteacher/patron, Okoth Johanes, were highly supportive of the training. They acknowledged the need for continuous ICT development and commended UCC and KAWA for their commitment to education. The school leadership also emphasized the importance of integrating programming, online safety, and critical thinking into the existing school curriculum.

Several key recommendations emerged from the day’s activities. These included the need to expand ICT access to more rural schools, the importance of follow-up trainings, the integration of ICT into the national curriculum, and the provision of tools like KAWA Connect for continuous learning. Additionally, the appointment of peer mentors and club captains was encouraged to guide club activities and encourage student leadership.

In conclusion, the ICT Club launch at St. Gonzaga SS Kagoma was a transformative and inspiring event. It demonstrated the power of partnerships between government and educational agencies in equipping Ugandan students with skills for the future. With continued support from KAWA Uganda, UCC, and other stakeholders, this club will serve as a model for how rural schools can lead the charge in digital innovation.

Special thanks go to the Uganda Communications Commission and KAWA Uganda for their dedication to building a digitally skilled generation, and to the students and staff of St. Gonzaga SS Kagoma for embracing this opportunity with such enthusiasm and promise.