Obalanga Seed SS Begins a New Digital Responsibility Journey

At Obalanga Seed Secondary School in Kapelebyong District, the launch of the ICT Club created an important moment for learners to look at technology differently. It was not presented as something reserved only for computer lessons, but as a practical tool for learning, responsibility, creativity, and problem-solving.

The activity took place on 24th February 2025 and was facilitated by Kyasima Freedom on behalf of Kisubi Associated Writers Agency (KAWA), under the ICT Clubs programme supported by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and UCUSAF.

The Message of the Day: Technology Needs Responsible Users

One of the strongest ideas shared during the launch was that ICT resources in schools can only remain useful when learners and teachers take responsibility for them. The ICT Club was therefore introduced as a student-led platform where learners can support the care, proper use, and sustainability of the school computer laboratory.

Learners were encouraged to see themselves not only as users of computers, but also as custodians of the ICT resources available in their school.

The school leadership, led by Headteacher Mr Nunu Simon, together with ICT Teacher Mr Anyou Vicent, welcomed the programme and engaged with the KAWA team on how the club can be supported at school level.

Learners Came with Big Expectations

Before the training began, students shared what they hoped to gain from the ICT Club. Many wanted to improve their practical computer skills beyond normal classroom learning. Others were interested in learning how to protect ICT equipment, use the internet better, explore coding, create digital content, and understand innovation.

Some learners also expressed interest in teamwork, mentorship, problem-solving, and preparation for future careers in the digital world. Their expectations showed that the ICT Club can become a strong space for building both technical skills and confidence.

From Ordinary ICT Lessons to Innovation Thinking

The KAWA facilitator helped learners understand that an ICT Club should go beyond routine computer practice. It should become a place where learners ask questions such as:

What problem exists in our school?
What challenge affects our community?
How can technology help us respond?
What simple digital solution can we begin with?

This approach encouraged learners to connect ICT with real life. They were guided to think about technology as something that can support education, agriculture, health, communication, environmental protection, and community development.

Practical Skills Introduced During the Training

During the session, learners were introduced to ICT laboratory management, basic computer maintenance, troubleshooting, internet safety, cybersecurity awareness, coding, innovation, and introductory ideas in Artificial Intelligence.

KAWA used presentations, demonstrations, case studies, and interactive exercises to make the training practical and engaging. Learners were also introduced to the ICT Clubs website, www.ictclubs.ug, where they can continue accessing tutorials, learning materials, and innovation resources after the launch.

A National Programme Reaches Obalanga

The official launch was supported by a recorded message from the Executive Director of UCC, Mr Nyombi Thembo. His message highlighted the importance of digital skills, responsible use of technology, innovation, and student participation in sustaining school ICT laboratories.

This helped learners appreciate that the ICT Club at Obalanga Seed SS is part of a wider national effort to strengthen digital learning and innovation among young people across Uganda.

Club Structures for Continuity

KAWA worked with the school administration, ICT teacher, and learners to support the establishment of the ICT Club and its student leadership structure. Learners were guided on leadership, accountability, teamwork, and how organised club activities can help sustain the programme throughout the year.

A standard ICT Club constitution template was shared with the school to guide formal club operations. The ICT Club Handbook was also provided to support the patron, teachers, and student leaders in planning meetings, guiding members, organising activities, and promoting innovation.

Preparing Learners for Future Platforms

The students were informed about future opportunities such as ANCC 2026 and other ICT-related innovation platforms. This encouraged them to begin thinking about practical ICT projects that could one day represent their school.

The ICT Club is expected to help learners build practical ICT skills, practise safe and ethical technology use, develop digital content, explore coding, and participate in mentorship and innovation opportunities.

Challenges That Need Attention

The visit also highlighted challenges that may affect ICT Club activities. These included 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.

Specific concerns were also noted. Teachers could not access the network from the staff room, the ICT teacher was not yet on payroll, and some keyboards on laptops provided by NITA-U were not working. The school administration also requested relocation of the solar battery and internet access point from their location at the time of training to a more suitable place connected to the computer laboratory.

These issues show that learner enthusiasm must be matched with functional equipment, reliable connectivity, teacher support, and proper ICT infrastructure.

The Way Forward

Obalanga Seed Secondary School is encouraged to allocate regular time for ICT Club activities, strengthen support from the administration and ICT teacher, repair faulty equipment, improve access to the network, and continue receiving mentorship and follow-up training from KAWA, UCC, and UCUSAF.

Relocating the solar battery and internet access point closer to the computer laboratory would also help improve access and make ICT resources more useful for learners and teachers.

The launch at Obalanga Seed SS marked an important beginning. It gave learners a platform to develop digital skills, protect school ICT resources, work together, and begin thinking creatively about technology-based solutions.

With continued support, the ICT Club can become a strong space for responsible technology use, learner leadership, innovation, and future-ready digital learning.

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