Yumbe Refugee School gets ICT lab, computers for digital learning

Yumbe, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Ariwa Secondary School in Bidibidi refugee settlement in Yumbe district has received an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) lab to help enhance digital learning opportunities for students.

The lab is equipped with 20 computers and Internet connectivity for a year is a donation from telecom giant MTN under the 30 days of Y’ello care initiative being held under the theme: “Learn today, lead tomorrow: Education for Rural and remote communities”.

Zainabu Atim, the head teacher of Ariwa Secondary School says that the school had been lagging behind in terms of digital learning due to the remote location. Atim believes the ICT lab is a beacon of hope that will greatly improve academic performance in the school and the wellbeing of the neighbouring communities.

While commissioning the facility on Friday, Somdev Sen, the MTN Uganda Chief Marketing officer explained that that computers will be linked to the National Curriculum Development Centre platform, enabling students and teachers to access study materials for the competence-based curriculum for lower secondary education. He further notes that the contribution reflects their commitment to making a meaningful impact on people’s lives at the grassroots level.

Rahman Atiku Okuonziga, the focal person for education in emergencies welcomed the development but instead challenged the key stakeholders to ensure the kick start the process of grant aiding the school to avoid its collapse.

However, Mathew Veni Vuyaya, the Yumbe Deputy Resident District Commissioner urged the school authority to ensure the safety of the equipment and encouraged the students to make use of the ICT lab.

Ariwa secondary school which currently has a total enrollment of 1025 students of which 553 refugees and 472 host community learners.

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