When the Covid -19 pandemic struck, it caused major disruptions on a global scale. As a result of this, education was one of the most hit sectors in Uganda and all students at every level had to stay home for many months. But staying home and doing nothing constructive would also be a waste of time. Recently, Kitakule Foundation partnered with Maendeleo Foundation alongside the Busesa Community library to engage students in learning ICT skills. A number of students for the last five days of last week (session ended on Friday, 17 December) have been training in basic computer usage and computer applications or software.
The lockdown period brought about by the pandemic, now into six months since the students returned, had to be used wisely. Stephen Sooka, the Kitakule Foundation Programmes Manager, observes that, “The library is bridging the learning gap for rural children who cannot afford online studies.” Maendeleo on its part brought computers to facilitate the camp and will take them back after the camp. This is why Sooka says the library needs 40 computers to provide ICT training for students, teachers and the local community.
“This will help foster learning and development,” Sooka notes. When the camp ended on Friday, a number of students received their certificates of attendance. Below is what some of them had to say.
Mariam Nabirye
From St. Stevens Ssecondary School in Bugiri, this senior one student says, “I learnt how to use the keyboard and how to type work.”
Nagawa Lynette
“I am in Primary six at Busesa Mixed Primary School. I learnt how to use a keyboard, how to type and how to use the internet.”
Amita Victoria
She is from Nkutu Memorial Senior Secondary school and is in senior three. “I learnt how to use a mouse, keyboard, how to search the internet and the need to be patient when using the computer.”
Nakato Patience Rebecca
She is a senior one student of Tropical High school. “I learnt how to type work, how to design it, how to use Microsoft Word, page borders, how to use the keyboard buttons and how to switch it on and off.”
Naiggaga Salam
She is a senior three student at Nkutu Memorial Senior Secondary school. “I learnt how to type work, how to use gmail and how to use the keyboard buttons. I also learnt how to shut down the computer without using the power button.”
Mwanja Sakib
He will be joining senior one soon at Busesa Mixed School. “I learnt how to switch on the computer and how to switch it off. I learnt Microsoft Word, inserting page borders and how to open an email.”
Kirunda Bright
He is a senior two student at St. Julian High School in Gayaza. “ I have learnt the difference software and hardware. I have also learnt how to type, Microsoft Word and I have also improved on my typing speed.
Ssemataze Enock
He is from Nkutu Memorial and is in senior two. “ I learnt how to use a computer, how to print, how to open my email, I learnt the parts of a computer, different types of computers, software and hardware.”
Ndundi Jimmy
“I used to study at St Andrews in Busesa and completed senior four. I have learnt how to create an email address, how to type and save documents.”
Emmanuel Kimei
He attends Faithfull Servants Christian High School in Buikwe district and is in senior two. “I learnt how to use a computer, how to use a mouse and how to save my work.”
