Empowering Rural Learners: Chawente Secondary School Leads ICT Club Innovation in Kwania

In the vibrant community of Atongtidi Sub County, nestled within Kwania District, the spirit of innovation came alive on March 3rd, 2025, as Chawente Secondary School officially launched its ICT Club through a transformative training session facilitated by KAWA Uganda. The training was conducted by Kyasiima Freedom of KAWA and supported by dedicated school contacts Paul Ikwera and Acheng Grace, whose efforts ensured the full participation of staff and students in this digital milestone.

Held within the school’s ICT lab, the training drew the active participation of 10 teachers and numerous students. It aimed to lay a strong foundation for digital empowerment, creative innovation, and sustainable ICT club activities within the school. All participating teachers had access to smart devices, and the training utilized 35 networked computers, ensuring hands-on experiences for all attendees.

Highlights from the ICT Club Launch & Training

The training began with a clear orientation on the purpose of ICT Clubs, emphasizing their role in promoting digital literacy, responsible technology use, and cultivating student-led innovation. Participants were guided through the importance of establishing a structured ICT Club with leadership, governance tools, and a shared vision.

Several key topics were explored during the session, each chosen to reflect real-world applications of digital skills:

ICT Lab Management and Sustainability: Teachers and students were introduced to best practices in lab maintenance, proper equipment use, and ensuring the long-term viability of ICT infrastructure.
Basic Computer Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Practical sessions enabled learners to understand how to diagnose common issues, perform updates, and prevent system failures—a critical skill in schools with limited technical support.
Internet Safety & Cybersecurity Awareness: Special emphasis was placed on safe browsing habits, protecting personal data, and recognizing cyber threats. These lessons are vital as students increasingly rely on the internet for research and learning.
Digital Skills Beyond the Curriculum: The training empowered students with exposure to tools such as basic coding applications, productivity software, and problem-solving through digital tools—skills that extend beyond traditional classroom instruction.
Networking & Internet Usage: Learners were introduced to concepts of connectivity, internet resource optimization, and secure online engagement, enabling more effective use of the school’s limited internet access.
UCC/UCUSAF Engagement: The students and teachers explored how to connect with national ICT development efforts, contribute feedback, and participate in UCC-supported programs.
Encouraging Innovation & ICT Competitions: A forward-looking component of the training involved brainstorming innovative tech projects, exploring problem-solving ideas, and preparing students to participate in district and national competitions organized by the Uganda Communications Commission.

“This training reminded us that technology is not just a subject, but a tool for solving real community problems,” shared Acheng Grace, reflecting on the day’s impact.

Challenges Identified

Despite the great enthusiasm, the training also revealed notable challenges:

Curriculum Integration: ICT is still being treated as a standalone subject, and there is a pressing need to embed digital literacy across all subjects to make learning holistic and future-ready.
Slow Internet Connectivity: Limited bandwidth hindered some activities, highlighting the urgent need for improved infrastructure in rural schools.

Recommendations and Way Forward

To ensure sustainability and growth of the ICT Club, the facilitators recommended that:

The ICT Club launch at Chawente Secondary School marked a bold step toward cultivating a generation of tech-savvy youth in rural Uganda. With a supportive teaching team, engaged learners, and KAWA’s continued mentorship, the club is poised to drive digital transformation and innovation not only within the school but across the wider Kwania District.