St. Thomas Moore SS Learners Begin Turning Digital Skills into Practical Solutions

St. Thomas Moore Secondary School in Omoro District has taken an important step towards strengthening learner innovation, digital responsibility, and practical ICT skills through the launch and training of its ICT Club.

The activity was held on Tuesday, 24th February 2026 and was facilitated by Noah Okwalinga on behalf of Kisubi Associated Writers Agency (KAWA). It was conducted under the ICT Clubs programme supported by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and UCUSAF.

The visit aimed at officially launching the school ICT Club, orienting learners and school leaders on the purpose of the programme, and equipping students with foundational digital knowledge and practical ICT skills. The session also encouraged learners to begin looking at technology as a tool for creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, and community improvement.

The school leadership, led by Headteacher Mr Kissarach Jimy Yoanasan, together with ICT Teacher Mr Thomas Ogwal, welcomed the initiative and engaged with the KAWA team on how the ICT Club can be supported and sustained within the school.

Before the training began, learners shared their expectations from the ICT Club. Many hoped to gain practical computer skills beyond normal classroom lessons. Others wanted to learn how to maintain and protect ICT equipment, improve their internet use, explore coding, create digital content, and understand innovation. Some learners also expressed interest in 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 place for computer practice. It is a platform where students can develop leadership, responsibility, creativity, confidence, and practical digital skills. The club is intended to help learners take ownership of the school computer laboratory and support the proper use, care, and sustainability 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, where they can access tutorials, innovation resources, and learning materials to continue developing their skills 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. This helped students appreciate that their club is part of a wider national programme promoting 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 keep club activities active and meaningful. A standard ICT Club constitution template was also shared with the school to guide formal club operations.

The ICT Club Handbook was shared with the school to support club leadership, learner participation, innovation activities, digital skills development, and responsible technology use. The handbook will guide the patron, teachers, and student leaders as they coordinate ICT 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 learners to handle ICT equipment responsibly, practise safe internet use, and begin applying technology to practical school and community challenges.

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 and innovations that could represent their school in future technology platforms.

The expected outcomes of the St. Thomas Moore SS ICT Club include improved practical ICT skills, stronger learner ownership of school ICT resources, safe and ethical use of technology, increased interest in coding and innovation, and better preparation for future digital opportunities. The club is also expected to support mentorship, digital creation, teamwork, problem-solving, and participation in national ICT-related competitions.

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

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. These challenges require continued planning, follow-up, and support from the school and programme partners.

The school is encouraged to allocate regular time for ICT Club activities, strengthen support from the administration and patron, and continue receiving mentorship and follow-up training. Improved ICT infrastructure and reliable power will help the club grow into a sustainable centre for digital learning and innovation.

The launch at St. Thomas Moore Secondary School marked an important step in building learner capacity, promoting responsible technology use, strengthening school ICT sustainability, and preparing students for opportunities in the digital world.

With continued support from the school, KAWA, UCC, and UCUSAF, the ICT Club has the potential to become a strong platform where learners turn digital skills into practical ideas, useful projects, and community-focused innovation.

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