From Technology Users to Digital Creators at St. Pius Secondary School
At St. Pius Secondary School in Kanungu District, the message was clear: learners should not only use technology, but also create with it. This was the spirit behind the ICT Club launch and training held on 11th June 2025 through the partnership of KAWA Uganda and the Uganda Communications Commission.
The session was facilitated by Noah Okwalinga from KAWA Uganda, with support from the school leadership led by the Headteacher, Alele Moses. The ICT Club Patron, Kenema Scovia, was also part of the school team supporting the establishment of the club.
The launch brought together 32 students from Senior One to Senior Six. The group included class representatives, prefects, and learners who were beginning their ICT Club journey with great interest. Out of the participants, 21 were male students and 11 were female students.
The training began by helping learners understand the purpose, structure, and expectations of the ICT Club. Students were guided to see the club as a place for creativity, teamwork, digital research, programming, and problem-solving. The aim was to help them connect ICT skills with everyday learning and Uganda’s broader digital transformation goals.
A major part of the session focused on introducing learners to KAWA CONNECT and its offline learning resources. Students explored how the platform supports learning through simulations, interactive video lessons, digital textbooks, e-libraries, and other useful resources that can strengthen learning even where internet access is limited.
The practical part of the training gave learners hands-on exposure to important digital tools. Students were introduced to Visual Studio Code installation, mobile app creation using MIT App Inventor, and block-based programming through Scratch. The learners participated actively in group sessions and also began working on individual projects.
One of the most inspiring outcomes of the session was the students’ excitement about becoming creators of digital solutions rather than passive users of technology. This mindset is important because it encourages learners to think, design, build, test, and improve their own ideas.
The main challenge observed during the training was power supply interruption, which slightly delayed the practical sessions. This showed the need for reliable power support to make future ICT Club activities more effective and consistent.
The report recommended the provision of more ICT equipment, especially additional laptops and routers, so that more learners can participate fully during practical sessions. It also recommended regular mentorship from UCC and KAWA Uganda to support learner projects and sustain club activities. In addition, student leaders were encouraged to submit monthly reports showing club activities, progress, and innovation outcomes.
The ICT Club at St. Pius Secondary School has now opened a new pathway for learners to explore technology with confidence. With continued guidance from KAWA Uganda, UCC, the school leadership, and the club patron, the learners are expected to grow into young innovators who can use digital skills to solve real school and community challenges.
Report compiled by Noah Okwalinga, Facilitator, KAWA Uganda.
