MASINDI, January 30, 2025 – Around 500 students from various primary and secondary schools in Masindi District and Masindi Municipality have earned certificates after completing a computer training course.
The three-month training, organised by Goodman B. Farouk, the Director of St. Mary’s Secondary and Excel Boarding School, also focused on mindset change, patriotism, guidance, and counselling, among other aspects.
“I organised this training for free to help learners acquire basic knowledge of computers. They now understand Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other programmes. I realised there is a significant gap in computer accessibility. Many schools lack computers, yet students need to know how to use them. That is why I organised this training during the holidays,” explained Goodman during the graduation ceremony held at the Education Hall in Masindi Town recently.
He further stated that he expects the graduates to become computer experts, contribute to creating a society that is computer literate, and potentially become job creators.
Rogers Byamukama, a member of the Executive of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations [FUFA], presided over the function and described the training as timely, given that the world is undergoing digitalisation.
“Almost everything is now digital, from education and financial inclusion to e-commerce, marketing, and communication, among others. My hope is that digital literacy will be incorporated into government programmes like the Parish Development Model [PDM], so that beneficiaries can market their products via digital platforms,” said Byamukama.
He also emphasised the importance of the graduates using their newly acquired skills to transform their lives.
“You’ve learned how to use a computer at a young age, something we didn’t have the opportunity to do. If you utilise this knowledge effectively, you will be able to earn a living and improve your lives,” Byamukama advised.
Kenneth Kiiza Nyendwoha, the Member of Parliament for Bujenje County, urged the people of Masindi to embrace technology and the internet, noting that all developed nations have gone digital.
“Although ICT in the country is underfunded, receiving only 1% of the national budget, we are working to increase that to 3 percent. Digitalisation is closely linked with electricity distribution, and as Members of Parliament, we are doing our best to extend power to all areas, as computers rely on electricity,” explained Nyendwoha, who is also a member of the ICT Parliamentary Committee.
Aled Ronald Akugizibwe, the Member of Parliament for Buruli County, commended Goodman for his initiative to equip the youth with computer skills, saying it will help the younger generation compete in the digital world.
“Don’t take the skills you’ve acquired for granted. Make the most of every opportunity you get and prioritise your studies whenever possible,” Akugizibwe urged.
The students, who spoke to theCooperator, expressed their gratitude to the organisers, explaining that they never expected to have the opportunity to work on computers, as most schools in the area lack computers and are not connected to the national grid.
“I had no knowledge of computers before, but now I am able to type, design, and print. I promise to use the skills I have acquired to improve my life,” said Eva Natukunda.
https://thecooperator.news/lack-of-computer-knowledge-delays-pdm-funds-disbursement-in-alebtong/
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