Empowering Girls Through Technology: Ikwera Girls SS Launches Vibrant ICT Club
In the heart of Kwania District, a transformative step toward digital inclusion unfolded at Ikwera Girls Secondary School on February 21st, 2025. Guided by KAWA Uganda, this landmark event marked the official launch of the school’s ICT Club—a dynamic initiative that aims to develop tech-savvy young women equipped to innovate and lead in the digital age.
Led by Moses Wamanga, a seasoned digital educator from KAWA ( 0772580086), the training session brought together learners, patrons, and school leaders in Aduku Town Council to kickstart a student-led technology revolution. The energy was unmistakable—students excitedly engaged in both technical training and vision-setting for the future.
Highlights from the Launch & Training
The ICT Club was officially launched, with a structured leadership team elected from among the students to manage activities, lead innovation, and instill a sense of ownership. To ensure sustainability, KAWA issued a standard ICT Club Constitution, setting the tone for responsible governance and clear annual goals.
As part of capacity-building, students received hands-on training in key digital competencies, including:
- ICT Resource Management: Students learned how to care for school ICT equipment, manage lab use, and report faults.
- Basic Computer Maintenance: Practical lessons on virus scanning, formatting, and troubleshooting helped demystify hardware challenges.
- Cybersecurity Awareness: Learners explored how to protect their online identity, detect online threats, and understand the importance of ethical technology use.
- Programming and AI: Using Scratch and Python, students were introduced to coding basics and the foundational concepts of Artificial Intelligence, including how it could be applied to solve local problems in their communities.
“This is a dream come true for many of our girls,” shared Grace Phorach, one of the school’s focal teachers. “It’s the first time they’re seeing how digital tools connect to real-life solutions.”
To support learning beyond the classroom, KAWA provided a wealth of digital resources, including:
- Access to www.ictclubs.ug – A platform hosting tutorials, handbooks, and innovation guides.
- A digital ICT Club Handbook – Offering practical steps for managing club activities.
- Curated video tutorials on coding, digital safety, and project-based learning.
- A set of curriculum-aligned innovation activities inspired by the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Paul Mugoo, a club patron, noted,
“This ICT Club will not only empower our learners academically but also socially. We now have the tools to train digital leaders who can represent Kwania at national tech events.”
The event also sparked vital stakeholder engagement. The school administration, ICT teachers, and patrons collaborated with KAWA to begin drafting an Annual ICT Club Activity Calendar, ensuring continuity and impact throughout the academic year.
Recommendations & Way Forward
While the training primarily mobilized Senior Two learners, it was strongly recommended that future engagements involve a wider range of classes to ensure inclusivity.
KAWA pledged continued support through:
- Advanced coding clinics
- Club activity monitoring
- Project mentorship
- Preparation for national ICT competitions
The launch of the ICT Club at Ikwera Girls SS marks a bold investment in girls’ digital empowerment. With passionate leadership, structured resources, and visionary planning, the school is now well-positioned to nurture the next generation of innovators, coders, and problem-solvers in Uganda’s fast-evolving digital economy.
