Computer training for young and not-so-young

UDS’ training in use of computers and of the internet is mainly aimed at students and schoolchildren. To maximise the use of our limited space, sessions are organised in two-hour slots across a 12-hour day – covering different groups including primary school children, secondary school children of different age groups and university students.

But it doesn’t stop there. Two of UDS’ regular trainees are a long time out of school, but still appreciate the need to acquire and upgrade their IT skills.

Sam Kabanda

Sam Kabanda, interestingly, is an administrator with another charity working in Uganda.

Helping Hands is a charity concerned with the welfare of children in Uganda. In his work, he has to communicate with many different people and organisations, so Sam decided, at the age of 60, that he needed to improve his computer and internet skills to do this. And he came to UDS for help.

Sam feels it’s unfair to ask others to type up reports, minutes of meetings and so forth for him so he’s now studying Microsoft Word and Excel in addition to leaning general computer and internet skills. It’s not all plain sailing though. Sam says the frequent power cuts often disrupt training sessions, and he wished he had his own computer to practise on. 

Robert Okwir

Robert Okwir is 53, and deputy head of a girls’ primary school. Back in 2009 he realised that his lack of computer skills were hindering his work.  So he also signed up for the UDS training scheme and can now type, use Microsoft Word and Excel, and knows his way round the internet. He says he can now work from home, using his own computer – and he’s still learning.  

If you would like to help Sam, Robert and our other computer trainees – make a donation specifically to this project via Just Giving.  We have in the past relied on donated computer equipment from the UK, but unfortunately two years ago the Ugandan government changed their policy on  importing of second hand computer equipment.  Until such time they realise that this policy is seriously preventing growth in this area we have to buy all equipment now. Donate now and help us train more people with this much needed skill.