The EMPOWERING AFRICA PROGRAM focuses mainly on projects that focus on community development. These projects will be run in particular areas across Africa, Uganda inclusive. These projects are based on student exchanges and have a focus on education approaching different targets depending on the local realities (University students, as well as local communities). Projects have been selected to be run across Africa in the areas of ICT, HIV/AIDS, Entrepreneurship and Tourism.
In Uganda, AIESEC in Makerere decided that one of the focus areas of its activities will be ICT. Information and communication technology (ICT) is regarded as a driver and enabler in most if not all countries around the world. The extent of adoption and usage of ICT in schools and small companies therefore becomes pivotal in improving Uganda’s economy as a whole. Research by Makerere University (MUK) and Rowan University has revealed that the adoption of ICT by firms in developing countries (like Uganda) follows the same pattern as in developed countries and they only differ in level of usage and adoption. Firms as well as schools do appreciate the contribution of ICT to their performance, but there are various barriers which prevent them from tapping into ICT’S potential.
Many students in Uganda do not have any access to computers up to the average age of 18 years for those who join University and even later for those who do not join University. We should seek to encourage students to learn and appreciate information technology by providing them with the necessary computer skills and also equipping their teachers to educate and effectively integrate computers into the teaching program. Appropriate logical approaches need to be identified in order to maximize the use of computers in our schools.
PROJECTS OBJECTIVES
- Providing our youth with a very exciting, quality, and diverse cultural platform to gain computer skills while learning about different cultures and leadership skills.
- Provide technical assistance and training both in high schools and community developing organizations in the surrounding community.
- Improve the above schools and organizations abilities to manage data, integrate computer networks and simplifying related works.
Contact us: switch.muk2010@gmail.com
