Fr. Aloysius SS Bala ICT Club Launch Points Learners Towards Digital Opportunity

Fr. Aloysius Secondary School Bala in Kole District has joined the growing movement of schools using ICT Clubs to prepare learners for a future shaped by digital skills, innovation, and responsible use of technology.

The ICT Club launch and training took place on 4th March 2025 and was facilitated by Kyasima Freedom on behalf of Kisubi Associated Writers Agency (KAWA). The activity was conducted under the ICT Clubs programme supported by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and UCUSAF.

The purpose of the visit 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. The launch also encouraged learners to begin seeing technology as a tool for creativity, problem-solving, research, collaboration, and future career preparation.

The school leadership, led by Headteacher Mr Okunu Moris, together with ICT Teacher Mr Ogwal Benson, welcomed the programme and engaged with the KAWA team on how the ICT Club can support digital learning and strengthen the sustainability of ICT resources at the school.

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

During the session, learners were guided to understand that an ICT Club is more than a school group for computer use. It is a platform where students can develop responsibility, leadership, creativity, confidence, and practical digital skills. The club is intended to help learners take ownership of the school ICT resources, support the maintenance of the computer laboratory, and participate actively in technology-based learning.

KAWA provided learning 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 platform for tutorials, innovation resources, and 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 helped students appreciate that their school is part of a wider national programme aimed at strengthening digital learning 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 is important, and how accountability can help sustain ICT Club activities. A standard ICT Club constitution template was also shared with the school to guide formal club operations.

The ICT Club Handbook was also provided to support club leadership, learner participation, innovation activities, digital skills development, and responsible use of technology. This handbook will guide the patron, teachers, and student leaders as they continue organising club activities throughout the year.

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 training encouraged students to handle ICT equipment responsibly, use the internet safely, and apply technology to real-life problem-solving.

One major challenge identified during the visit was non-functional internet connectivity. The internet service that had previously been provided to the school was not working, limiting access to online learning resources, research materials, digital platforms, and innovation opportunities. This affects both learners and teachers, especially in areas such as coding practice, online collaboration, digital research, and participation in ICT-related programmes.

Restoring internet connectivity was therefore identified as a key priority. Reliable internet access will help learners conduct research, access online learning platforms, practise coding, participate in innovation activities, and develop ICT projects more effectively. Once restored, students should be guided to use the internet responsibly for educational and innovation purposes.

Learners were also 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 technology and innovation platforms.

KAWA further engaged the school leadership on the importance of regular club meetings, teacher guidance, institutional support, mentorship, and continued follow-up. These discussions helped position the ICT Club as a long-term school programme that can support digital learning and learner innovation.

The expected outcomes of the Fr. Aloysius SS Bala ICT Club include improved practical ICT skills, stronger student ownership of ICT resources, safe and ethical use of technology, increased interest in coding and innovation, and better preparation for future opportunities in the digital world.

The school is encouraged to prioritise restoration of internet connectivity, strengthen access to digital learning resources, allocate regular time for ICT Club activities, and continue working closely with KAWA, UCC, and UCUSAF for mentorship and support.

The launch at Fr. Aloysius Secondary School Bala marked an important step in building learner capacity, promoting responsible technology use, strengthening school ICT sustainability, and preparing students for digital opportunities ahead.

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