Aromo Vocational SS Strengthens Practical Learning Through ICT Club Launch

Aromo Vocational Secondary School in Lira District has taken a bold step towards linking practical education with digital skills through the launch and training of its ICT Club. The activity was held on Wednesday, 4th March 2026 and facilitated by Kyasima Freedom on behalf of Kisubi Associated Writers Agency (KAWA).

The visit was conducted under the ICT Clubs programme supported by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and UCUSAF. Its purpose was to officially launch the school ICT Club, introduce learners and school leaders to the objectives of the programme, and equip students with foundational digital knowledge and practical ICT skills.

As a vocational school, Aromo Vocational SS provides a strong environment for learners to connect hands-on learning with technology. The ICT Club therefore comes at an important time, helping students understand that digital skills can support innovation, improve problem-solving, and open new opportunities in both education and the world of work.

The school leadership, led by Headteacher Mr Ogwang Isaac, together with ICT Teacher Mr Elweu John Micheal, welcomed the initiative and participated in discussions on how the club can be supported within the school. Their involvement highlighted the importance of school ownership in sustaining ICT Club activities beyond the launch.

Before the training began, learners were invited to share their expectations. Many expressed interest in gaining practical computer skills beyond classroom lessons. Others wanted to learn how to maintain and protect ICT equipment, improve their internet use, explore coding, develop digital content, and understand innovation. Some learners also showed interest in teamwork, mentorship, problem-solving, and preparing for future careers in the digital world.

During the session, learners were guided to understand the deeper purpose of an ICT Club. The club is not simply a space for computer use; it is a platform where students can develop responsibility, leadership, creativity, and practical digital confidence. Learners were encouraged to take ownership of the school computer laboratory and support the proper use and maintenance of ICT resources.

KAWA provided educational materials to support the launch and training. These included PowerPoint presentations, practical demonstrations, case studies, and interactive exercises. Learners were also introduced to the ICT Clubs website, www.ictclubs.ug, as a useful platform for tutorials, resources, and innovation materials that can support continued learning after the launch.

The official launch was conducted through a recorded speech message from the Executive Director of UCC, Mr Nyombi Thembo. His message emphasised the importance of digital skills, responsible use of technology, innovation, and the role of learners in sustaining school ICT laboratories. It also reminded students that they are part of a wider national effort to strengthen digital transformation in schools across Uganda.

KAWA worked with the school administration, ICT teacher, and club patron to establish the ICT Club and support the formation of student leadership structures. Learners were guided on how the club will operate, why leadership matters, and how accountability can help the club remain active and useful. A standard ICT Club constitution template was also shared with the school to guide formal club operations.

The ICT Club Handbook was provided to guide the patron, teachers, and student leaders throughout the year. The handbook covers club leadership, learner participation, innovation activities, digital skills development, responsible technology use, and practical club management.

The digital skills training introduced learners to ICT laboratory management and sustainability, basic computer maintenance, troubleshooting, internet safety, cybersecurity awareness, coding, innovation, and Artificial Intelligence. The sessions encouraged students to handle ICT equipment responsibly, practise safe internet use, and apply technology to real-life problem-solving.

The expected outcomes of the Aromo Vocational SS ICT Club include improved sustainability of the school computer laboratory, stronger learner ownership of ICT resources, safe and ethical use of technology, and increased participation in practical digital projects. The club is also expected to prepare learners for mentorship opportunities, digital creation, innovation programmes, and future ICT-related engagements.

Learners were further informed about preparation for ANCC 2026. This encouraged them to take ICT Club activities seriously, strengthen teamwork, and begin developing practical projects that can represent their school in future innovation platforms.

KAWA also engaged the school leadership on the need for regular club meetings, teacher guidance, institutional ownership, mentorship, and follow-up support. These discussions helped position the ICT Club as a long-term school programme that can contribute to practical learning and digital transformation.

Some likely challenges were noted, including unreliable power supply, inadequate ICT infrastructure, limited time for club activities, low digital literacy among some learners, and the need to sustain momentum after the launch. Addressing these issues will require continued support from the school, KAWA, UCC, UCUSAF, and other stakeholders.

The school was encouraged to allocate regular time for ICT Club activities, strengthen support from the administration and patron, and continue guiding learners in practical digital projects. Improved ICT infrastructure and reliable power will also help the club grow into a sustainable centre for digital learning and innovation.

The launch at Aromo Vocational Secondary School marked an important step in empowering learners with digital skills that can support both academic and practical vocational growth. With continued support, the ICT Club has the potential to become a strong platform for creativity, responsibility, innovation, and future-ready learning.

KAWA sincerely appreciates UCC and UCUSAF for their continued support towards the establishment and training of ICT Clubs in schools across Uganda.