St. Mathias Kalemba S.S. Paves the Way for Digital Empowerment through ICT Club Launch

In the heart of Kangulumira Sub-county, Kayunga District, a powerful shift toward digital transformation took place on 25th February 2025 as St. Mathias Kalemba Senior Secondary School officially launched its ICT Club. Facilitated by KAWA Uganda under the patronage of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and UCUSAF, the training session marked a turning point in the school’s journey to equip students with essential 21st-century ICT skills.

The session brought together students and two teachers in a focused environment that encouraged hands-on learning and critical thinking around the role of technology in education and beyond. Participants were introduced to the purpose and structure of the ICT Club, setting the foundation for a sustainable community of learners who take ownership of their digital environment.

The training emphasized ICT Lab Management and Sustainability, teaching students how to maintain their computer lab through scheduled maintenance, appropriate handling of devices, and organizing usage schedules for equitable access. These practices are crucial for ensuring that the ICT infrastructure remains functional for future learners.

One of the standout moments was the Basic Computer Maintenance and Troubleshooting module, where students gained practical skills in diagnosing and resolving common issues such as system lag, software errors, and routine updates. These hands-on experiences demystified technology and fostered a sense of confidence in students.

As the digital space becomes increasingly complex, the session tackled Internet Safety and Cybersecurity Awareness head-on. Students were trained on how to protect personal information, avoid cyber threats, and cultivate responsible online habits — an area that also surfaced as a challenge during the training. Teachers noted that students needed more guidance on ethical internet use, especially when conducting research online, highlighting a key area for follow-up engagement.

Moving beyond the curriculum, learners were exposed to advanced digital tools, coding basics, and real-world applications in a session titled Digital Skills Beyond the Curriculum. This broadened their perspective on how ICT can be used to innovate, solve problems, and even build career pathways in areas such as programming, design, and communication.

Another major highlight was the Networking and Internet Usage segment, where students explored how networks operate, how to safely access the internet, and how to optimize connectivity for academic use. This was paired with interactive discussions on UCC/UCUSAF initiatives, allowing students to see how their feedback and participation could influence national ICT strategies.

To close the day, facilitators introduced the concept of ICT Competitions and Innovation, igniting interest among learners to participate in future challenges and showcase their creativity through digital projects.

The training made use of 12 networked computers for interactive sessions. While the number of devices was sufficient for the day, the facilitators observed that most of the learners mobilized were from Senior Two, prompting a recommendation to engage a wider range of class levels in future sessions to ensure inclusivity and broader impact.

With energized students, committed teachers, and support from national institutions, the ICT Club at St. Mathias Kalemba S.S. is now well-positioned to grow into a hub of creativity and digital excellence. As this club takes root, it promises to inspire a new generation of learners who are not only tech-savvy but also responsible and innovative in their digital engagements.