Internet Cafe in Lyantonde, Uganda

This fall, our local partner ICOD Action Network hosted an essay competition for Ugandan students in secondary school. The essay competition was entitled "ICT a powerful tool," with the objective of assessing students' understanding of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and increasing the adoption of ICT among younger users. Three winners from the competition were awarded "back to school" packages including mattresses, school books, and other supplies. This year's winners, selected by an independent committee of Ugandan school teachers, are Agnes Komujuni, John Baptist Ssenkyai, and Bernard Byakatonda.

Here are a few excepts from the winning essays, organized by topic: 

ICT in Schools

"[ICT] can be a catalyst by providing tools which teachers use to improve teaching and by giving learners access to electronic media that make concepts clearer and more accessible."

-Agnes Komujuni St. Gonzaga SSS

ICT in Homes

"In homes, [ICT] has enabled many people to benefit by playing computer games, listening to music, watching the latest videos, retouch a photograph, and then provides leisure activities to many people that enables individuals to relax for proper working during the next day, thus promoting development."

-John Baptist Ssenkayi St. Gonzaga SSS

ICT in Businesses

"Economically, ICT promotes trade. Goods can be sold and bought online thus reducing the risks involved as well as saving time." 

  -Bernard Byakatonda, Ian College S5

As the Internet Café continues to develop, Grant has been working closely with ICOD to implement an Agriculture Information Sharing Program to bring better agriculture practices to rural villages surrounding Lyantonde. Our latest video blog highlights two group leaders who are receiving free ICT training so they can retrieve necessary information from the Internet and share it with their local farming communities. We’re also excited to announce that ICOD’s Director, Ahabwe Michael, has taken over the video camera and will be continuing our Vlog series that documents the progress of the Internet Café.

We're proud to introduce Michael's first video! (Link below)

Links:

• VLog 5