The secondary school curriculum emphasizes the importance of incorporating technology skills into education. The general aim is to equip students with essential digital literacy skills. 

This includes teaching basic computer operations, internet usage, word processing, spreadsheet manipulation and presentation software.

However, many schools upcountry grapple with few or no computers, which should be used to ensure that students acquire digital skills not only for the future but also for passing examinations. 

For instance, Kasese-based Ihandiro Vocational Secondary School has only four computers, which serve a population of over 500 students and over 15 teachers.

Learners of Ihandiro Vocational Secondary School are optimistic about thriving in computer studies having received computers from ATC Uganda.

However, the school saw light at the end of the tunnel when American Tower Corporation (ATC) Uganda a telecommunication tower construction company on Friday, February 9, 2024, set up two computer hubs at Mpondwe Primary and Ihandiro Vocational Secondary Schools. 

Both schools, which are located in Bukonzo West county of Kasese district, received the hubs as part of the company's move to launch digital communities. 

Each school received 20 new computers installed in renovated computer labs and five stance pit-latrines.

School heads speak out

Zebedee Bwambale, the headteacher of Ihandiro Vocational Secondary School said it has always been hectic to conduct computer practical lessons as several shifts would be made to ensure that all learners have access to the four computers.

"We always spend the whole day dealing with computer practical lessons," Bwambale said.

"But now that we have received 20 computers, which will surely give us relief," he added.

Ismail Twaha, the headteacher of Mpondwe Primary School, said the computers will enable the learners to attain skills hence making it easy for them to embrace the new curriculum when they join secondary schools.

Empowering learners

Dorothy Kabagambe Ssemanda emphasized that the computer hubs also termed as digital communities aim at empowering not only learners but also all members of the communities where they are installed with skills as the world continues to embrace technology for social-economic impacts.

"We are living in a digital age where technology is transforming every aspect of our lives." She added.

UCC speaks out

Joseph Kiziito, the head of the consumers' affairs department of Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) who represented UCC's chief executive officer, warned Ugandans to be conscious of digital safety, especially the wrong elements who take advantage of technology advancement to deprive others of their digital money and other vital information, pin-pointing the conmen, hackers and fraud star among others. 

Kabbyanga speaks out

ICT state minister Godfrey Kabbyanga, who officiated the function as the chief guest, commended ATC for supporting the Government in implementing its digital transformation scheme that will see most citizens have access to free Internet services among others in years to come.

He added that as ministry there is an ongoing graduate programme of equipping schools with computers a matter that will largely support learners as they continue to embrace the new curriculum.

The two digital communities launched in Kasese bring the total number to 32 in the entire country.