By Ramune Petuchovaite | Manager, EIFL Public Library Innovation Programme
With your support we have provided 11 libraries in Uganda with portable routers and internet data bundles. In just one year (2022/23), these libraries trained over 2,200 people to use computers and to research the internet. They also reached another 8,000 people through outreach programmes in schools, markets, church halls and other community spaces.
The training is empowering entrepreneurs and energizing micro-enterprises across the country.
In Nyarushanje (Western Uganda) young mothers and out-of-school youth are earning a living making clothes after using YouTube videos to learn new tailoring designs. "I was not familiar with many designs of Bitenge dresses and shirts, but after I learned how to make them I am now getting so many customers,” said Elspeth, who learnt how to use computers and research the internet at Nyarushanje Community Library and Empowerment Center.
At the same library, young mothers have learnt hairdressing, and how to do manicures and pedicures from YouTube videos, skills which they now put into practice in a local beauty salon.
In Nakaseke (Centeral Uganda), librarians visit their local high street, meeting entrepreneurs and introducing new technology tools and digital resources useful for their businesses. Thanks to this library outreach programme, Carol’s ice-cream shop - the first ever ice-cream shop in Nakaseke - now uses new recipes from the internet to make ice-cream for their happy customers.
At Yiga Bookshop, Jason was able to help his father’s business through the COVID-19 pandemic after ICT skills training at Nakaseke Public Library. “The most inspiring topic in the course for me was desktop publishing. Now, I have introduced computer and printing services to the bookshop. We have bought a computer and I design school badges, stamps and exercise books – we are planning to buy a colour printer to print exam revision papers and posters in bulk.”
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