FROM WATCHMAN TO IT INSTRUCTOR

There is always so much to learn from any one that you meet. Just engage them in a chat and there is a lot that you will discover. Some of their dreams, aspirations, and goals could transform the World if  acted upon. But sometimes, they need inspiration, guidance and someone to believe in their dream.

Take for example John Erepu, a young man I met during the ICT beginner training in Lira. He currently is a watchman in Amuria district. But that is not where he wants to remain. Even with very limited formal education, his diction and general use of the English language is such a marvel. He would like to become an IT instructor such that he too can inspire the youth in his community. No wonder he paid full attention during the IT sessions he attended. It was his first time to use computers but the way he explored the machine, one could mistake him for someone who had used computers so many times before. His interest and passion for computers could not go unnoticed. He spoke with so much enthusiasm about his dream of becoming an IT instructor. I could see this dream coming to pass in the near future. What he needs now is an opportunity to learn as much as possible. He has already been introduced to the world of computers and fortunately, his work place has computers. As he left the training center in Lira for his home district, he confidently spoke about asking his bosses to allow him use one of the computers in the office to improve on his knowledge. I promised to keep in touch with him for as long as I possibly can to keep track of his progress and I'm sure he will attain his goal. I believe in John's dream. 

It's people like Erepu, who seek continuous growth that will truly bring the required change in our communities. His mindset is that of a winner, his belief is unstoppable, and his positive energy is contagious. Just imagine the headline "From Watchman to IT instructor". Now that would be a story.

Here's to achieving dreams.....

           

IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES

When I first saw, touched and used a computer in the year 2000, little did I know what would come out of that experience. I can clearly remember the excitement that consumed me. It was an opportunity to explore a whole new world. I pressed on every possible button and voila!, the machine was on. I think it was running on Windows 95 Operating System. For an eleven year old boy, this was an adventure that tickled my mind. At that time, I only used computers to play games. Today, I can do a lot more with them. Fortunately, I have been in position to transfer this knowledge to so many people who are just being introduced to the world of computers.

I am blessed to have been introduced to computers and the internet a little early in my life, especially for someone in a developing country. How about that very brilliant young man or woman living upcountry who has no idea on what technology is? Should we just sit back and leave them in the dark when we are living in an era of information? Should we deny them the right to accessing computers and the internet when we can do something about it? A 2011 report by the UN tells us that access to the internet is a human right and continues to say "without concrete policies and plans of action, the internet will become a technological tool that is accessible only to a certain elite while perpetrating the digital divide". Should we allow this digital divide to happen in this country? No, at least not on our watch. Something should be and is being done about this.

With a solid plan, the partnership between Microsoft, KiBO Foundation, and Right To Play is empowering communities with practical knowledge and skills regarding the use of computers and the internet. One community at a time and the entire country will be able to express their right to using the internet. It does not matter how long this takes, the dream will be achieved. You too can join this mission by donating computers, sponsoring a student or a community, or even sharing your knowledge with people just being introduced to computers. Together, we can do more....          

             

ARE OUR EFFORTS WORTH IT?

Feedback is very important if we are to know the impact of any project being carried out. Today, I will share with you a couple of comments sent to us by trainees from the Lango sub-region, Northern Uganda.  

“I learnt how to use computers. I learnt the definition of a computer, how a full computer set looks like, and the purpose of input and output devices. I had fun during the sessions”-Jusphine Akello

“I am very glad for this ICT training because it has given me new knowledge. I have learnt how to use the keyboard and move the mouse. I thank our facilitators, thank you and God bless you”-Dorcus Alira

Others had some kind words for the facilitators.

“Congratulations Paul (the primary facilitator) for the wonderful sessions you have been conducting right from the first day. I am very happy to have been part of these sessions for they were very interactive. May God bless you and the Right To Play project”-Isaac Opio  

“We were given adequate knowledge on the above subject matter (basic computing). I am able to type using a computer keyboard. I thank the facilitators for their tireless effort and encouragement” –Denis Opio Agen

Some of them had requests too

“For the days I have attended so far, I feel proud to have been among those chosen for this training. It has been a wonderful moment for me. The instructors you sent to us were very friendly. However, we still need more training. Thank you”- Fred Okello

“I learnt to name the different parts of a computer and how to use the internet. If possible, please add us more training”-Benard Adoko   

And finally,

“I am very grateful for the wonderful knowledge on computers. Long Live Right To Play. Long Live KiBO Foundation. May God bless you”- Anne B’kello 

There surely is a bright future regarding the use of technology in this country. We shall reach the top. Just watch this space. 

A DREAM COME TRUE

Meet Anne B’kello, a fifty two year old peasant who had no hope of ever using a computer but a dream. She clearly recalls her reaction to the news that Right To Play had selected her to be among the trainees for the Microsoft Digital Learning in Lira. It was a combination of fear and excitement. Would she be able to learn anything at her age? She wondered. Two things stood out; her commitment and her willingness to ask for help during this training. By the end of training day three, she was able to turn on a computer, use MS Word at a basic level, and navigate around the desktop with relative ease. Her grip of the mouse and ability to identify keys on the keyboard could not go unnoticed. She is now in position to use a computer and has promised to keep learning at the Community Knowledge Centre since she resides around. Her daughter Christine who came to check on her was so proud of the progress she had made over the three days of training. Christine promised to help and encourage her mother improve on her computer skills. B’kello’s computer experience is a dream came true for her.

The mission of KiBO Foundation; Changing Lives, Changing Communities, One Partnership at a time is clearly being achieved. One day, the use of technology will be a part of the daily lives of every citizen of Uganda. Let us make this a dream come true by using every possible resource and supporting communities that have never used computers before. One day, we will look back and say, “We did it, together”.

 

THE POWER OF COMMITMENT

Imagine the joy that grips a parent when they see their baby take the first steps. Slow as it may be, this progress is worth celebrating and encouraging. The second day of the community leaders training in Lira district began on a high note. Picking up from where they stopped, the participants did a typing exercise for about 45mins. One could see the growth and confidence displayed by these people while using computers.

The participants' commitment and will to learn was not in question at all. Clearly, all their efforts were being rewarded as they stuck to making the best of the opportunity given to them by Right to Play, the KiBO Foundation and Microsoft. The light bulb moment for some of them came when they were taught on how to browse. One of them was amazed at how helpful the internet is especially after they were asked to open and read Rupiny, a newspaper written in the local dialect. The excitement was even bigger when they searched for jobs and realized the possibility of finding jobs online. To cap the internet experience, they opened email accounts and learnt how to write, read and forward emails which further amazed them. And at the end of the day, they were all able to use the internet as well as microsoft word at a relatively good level.

The unending wide smiles on their faces showed how much of a good time they had. Learning should be fun, and these participants truly had fun.  
   

NOW IS THE TIME

One of my favorite sayings goes something like "The best time to plant a tree was ten years ago. The second best time is NOW". This is what the partnership between the KiBO Foundation, Right to Play and Microsoft is doing in Lira District, Northern Uganda. The seed of Information and Communications Technology is being planted among a group of community leaders and coaches who are using computers for the very first time.

On the morning of 7th April 2014, a team of sixteen individuals comprising of local council leaders, peasant farmers, builders, and small business owners turned up for a basic training in ICT at the Community Knowledge Centre, Lira District. One could read signs of excitement and high expectations on their faces. Each of these participants had their own picture of what they would achieve at the end of the training. These included among others, receiving free personal computers, getting the best tips on how to use the internet, and being able to freely use computers.

The first course under the Microsoft Digital Literacy program caught everyone's attention. With minimal guidance, they followed the instructions with so much ease. And in no time, people who had never used computers before were able to freely use the mouse and find their way around the keyboard. This was great progress on the first day. Hope lit the faces of these participants, and they all felt a sense of achievement at the end of the day. Isaac Opio, a parish chief and Jackson Otim, a builder/farmer even made commitments to save in order to buy for themselves computers. Only time will tell how much of an impact this training will have on the lives of these people.