Moroto, Uganda — October 10, 2024
Under the Work No Child Business Project (WNCB), the first day of a two-day ICT training workshop unfolded at Commercial Hall in Moroto. Bringing together headteachers from Rupa and Tapac sub-counties, the session aimed to equip educators with essential ICT skills necessary to foster digital competency and combat child labor in the region. In attendance were the Regional Chairperson for Karamoja, the Program Officer, and facilitators from UNATU’s Communication and IT department, underscoring the collaborative commitment to this critical cause.
The day commenced with welcoming remarks from Akajo Lucy, the Karamoja Region Coordinator. She welcomed the participants and introduced the facilitators, emphasizing the importance of ICT as a foundational skill for 21st-century educators. She highlighted the training’s purpose: to provide teachers with the tools to integrate technology into their teaching and administrative tasks.
Following Lucy’s remarks, Moroto Branch Chairperson Robert Oriokot acknowledged the participants’ dedication, recognizing the WNCB project’s positive impact in curbing child labor across communities. Oriokot urged participants to fully engage in the training, embracing ICT as a critical enabler in today’s digital era, to enhance educational practices.
Further remarks were shared by Anyakwin Petero Chaoness, Karamoja Regional Chairperson, who commemorated World Teachers’ Day and introduced attendees to the benefits of ICT in teaching. Anyakwin explained UNATU’s laptop initiative, which offers teachers laptops at subsidized prices, highlighting the ongoing ICT programs aimed at teacher development across the region. He called on participants to leverage digital tools like emails and text messaging for efficient information exchange, along with TELA machines and E-registration to streamline operations in their schools.
Participants then delved into practical ICT sessions led by IT Officer Stella Abongomera. Beginning with an introductory module covering the basics of computer hardware and software, participants practiced essential skills in Microsoft Word, including typing, editing, and formatting—a promising start toward building digital proficiency.
In concluding remarks, Program Officer Kalamagi Gowan commended participants for their enthusiasm and reminded them that, although the WNCB project has officially concluded, the training represents a lasting benefit. He encouraged the educators to utilize these newfound skills to inspire and uplift their peers and communities, fostering a brighter, more connected future for Karamoja’s educational landscape.
The first day’s sessions set a powerful precedent, instilling confidence in the participating teachers and marking a transformative step towards digital empowerment in the Karamoja Region.
Really impressive work has been exhibited