ICT, Networking & Computer Literacy
Our humble beginnings... The photo above shows temporary Classroom in the Main Hall for our inaugural computer literacy classes in basic keyboarding.
Byoona Amagara is grateful to SchoolNet/iEARN-Uganda for its donation of 10 Smart Keyboards to our Computer Literacy program!
Click HERE for more info and photos about SchoolNet/iEARN-Uganda's donation.
Click HERE for more info on our first classes in typing and computer skills.
INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT OF THE GOALS AND VALUES OF THIS PROGRAM...
Our
goal with this program is simple - to bring the schools and communities
of Lake The photo above shows temporary Classroom in the Main Hall for
our inaugural computer literacy classes in basic keyboarding.
Bunyonyi
across the digital divide, providing new and valuable skills and
opportunities. As a rural and very isolated region, modern technology
is rather far from the daily lives of the people at Lake Bunyonyi.
Unfortunately, while this may at first seem to have little significance
to the area's local farmers, craftspeople, etc., the lack of technical
training (even with computers) in the schools and amongst the citizenry
has both immediate and long-term implications for development.
In
early 2005, the Gilbert Eager Learning Library and Multi-Media Center
will open and serve as the nerve center for all Byoona Amagara's
education initiatives. The center will host traditional library
services, exhibition space for student and local projects, and a
classroom for literacy programs and computer skills training. There
will also be multi-media opportunities such as Internet surfing and
tele-conferencing, film screening, and resources for independent media
development and creativity.
One important aspect of the Eager
Learning Center is our partnerships with global educational and
cultural networks. Though the center, local students, teachers and
community members will have the opportunity to engage with peers and
cultures elsewhere in Uganda, Africa and around the world. The social,
cultural, economic and educational ramifications of connecting the Lake
community directly with the world at large are enormous and we believe
to be completely to the benefit and wishes of the citizens. As
evidenced from the overwhelming response to our first offer of basic
computer skills training, the lake communities will cross the digital
divide enthusisatically and once there, engage productively with peers
and counterparts across the planet.
And while it is one of our
stated goals to make the lake itself more attractive to young adults as
a place to stay thoughout their most productive years - giving them
reason to reconsider the lure of relocating to bigger towns and cities,
we know the reality is that a significant percentage of the lake's
youth will still leave to start lives elsewhere. Whether they are
prepared and not disadvantaged in their pursuits is an important
concern for all in this community. Having them well-trained in modern
technologies and experienced with cultures other than their own, will
give them a more sophisticated awareness, a worldly appreciation, and a
competitive chance that all people deserve.
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