Three new water tanks installed

New funding has allowed us to relaunch our water tank programme. Here are some pictures of  the contruction of three new tanks in December. Each tank has a capacity of 2,000 litres, and is filled by rainwater collected from the roof of the building to which it's attached. Each tank can supply water to a family household for around seven months of the year. This provides a safer water supply than bore holes or rivers and ponds. It also saves time collecting water, which can take two hours out of a family's day.

Here's  a video showing how a water tank is constructed. Can you help us build more tanks?  You can donate to our water tank programme here.Mbago a UDS computer alumni training others

Digital science learning project

UDS is currently evaluating an exciting new computer- based online teaching system to fill what it sees as a gap in current science teaching in Uganda.

Cyber School's Director explains the system

The Ugandan government actively encourages the teaching of science and mathematics in schools – to the extent of making them compulsory subjects – as a way of increasing the number of scientists in the country and thus helping build the economy. But in outlying areas like Kamuli and the surrounding countryside there is a severe lack of teaching aids, apparatus and equipment.

So UDS has turned to a concept called Cyber School to see if it can help. Cyber School Technology Solutions is a Nairobi, Kenya-based company that offers digital education services worldwide. Its courses specialise in science and mathematics.

In December, UDS’ management team in Kamuli travelled to a workshop with head teachers from across eastern Uganda to assess the system. Our Director Rita Epodoi, Programme Manager Andrew Yiga, Program officer Geoffrey Namukoye and IT officer Robert Ssebuliba made a cross-country journey of nearly 90 miles (145 kilometres) to the town of Mbale to attend the session.

UDS believes that e-learning could be the “missing link” in science education for a place like Kamuli, and is putting forward a proposal to make Cyber School’s Virtual Lab available for local students and educators. Our Development Centre with its library and internet café is ideally placed to offer this service. So watch this space! Read more about Cyber School Technology Solutions here.