Barakala Seed SS Learners Begin a New Journey in Digital Skills and Innovation
In Yumbe District, Barakala Seed Secondary School has taken a strong step towards preparing learners for the digital future through the launch and training of its ICT Club. The activity, held on Friday, 27th February 2026, was facilitated by Noah Okwalinga on behalf of Kisubi Associated Writers Agency (KAWA).
The launch was conducted under the ICT Clubs programme supported by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and UCUSAF. Its main purpose was to officially establish the school ICT Club, introduce learners and school leaders to the goals of the programme, and equip students with foundational digital knowledge and practical ICT skills.
The school leadership, led by Headteacher Mr Hamid Amin, together with ICT Teacher Mr Jusper Efuya, welcomed the initiative and participated in discussions on how the club can be supported and sustained within the school.
At the beginning of the training, learners shared their expectations from the ICT Club. Many expressed a desire to gain practical computer skills beyond classroom theory. Others wanted to learn how to maintain and protect ICT equipment, use the internet more effectively, explore coding, understand innovation, and create digital solutions. Some learners also looked forward to mentorship, teamwork, problem-solving, and preparation for future careers in the digital world.
During the session, learners were guided to understand that an ICT Club is more than a group of students interested in computers. It is a platform for leadership, responsibility, creativity, and innovation. The club is expected to help learners take ownership of their school ICT resources, support proper maintenance of the computer laboratory, and develop advanced practical skills that go beyond normal classroom exposure.
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, where they can access tutorials, innovation resources, and learning materials for continued growth after the launch.
The official launch was supported by a recorded speech message from the Executive Director of UCC, Mr Nyombi Thembo. His message highlighted the importance of digital skills, responsible use of technology, innovation, and learner participation in sustaining school ICT laboratories. It also helped students appreciate that their school is part of a wider national programme aimed at strengthening digital transformation in education.
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 club activities. A standard ICT Club constitution template was also shared with the school to guide formal operations.
The ICT Club Handbook was provided to support the patron, teachers, and student leaders in managing the club throughout the year. The handbook covers areas such as leadership, learner participation, innovation activities, digital skills development, and responsible use of technology.
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 learners to handle ICT equipment responsibly, use the internet safely, and apply technology to solve real-life problems.
The expected outcomes of the ICT Club include improved sustainability of the school computer laboratory, stronger learner ownership of ICT resources, better digital confidence, safe and ethical use of technology, and increased participation in practical ICT projects. The club is also expected to prepare students for mentorship opportunities, digital creation, innovation programmes, and future national ICT engagements.
Learners were also informed about preparation for ANCC 2026. This encouraged them to take ICT Club activities seriously, build teamwork, and begin developing practical projects that can represent their school in future innovation platforms.
KAWA further engaged the school leadership on the importance of regular club meetings, teacher guidance, institutional ownership, and continuous mentorship. These discussions helped position the ICT Club as a long-term school programme rather than a one-day event.
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 challenges will require continued support from the school, programme partners, and follow-up mentorship.
The school was encouraged to allocate regular time for ICT Club activities, strengthen administrative and teacher support, 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 Barakala Seed Secondary School marked an important beginning for learners in Yumbe District. It opened a pathway for students to build digital skills, protect ICT resources, use technology responsibly, and prepare for future opportunities in the digital world.
KAWA sincerely appreciates UCC and UCUSAF for their continued support towards the establishment and training of ICT Clubs in schools across Uganda.
