NEWS– The Minister of ICT and National Guidance who also doubles as the Kinkizi East county legislator Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi has officially launched a new ICT hub at San Giovanni School in Makiro, Kanungu District.
Funded by the American Tower Corporation (ATC), the 27th September 2024 launched initiative aims at improving computer literacy among students and the wider community.
In his remarks while drawing inspiration from the biblical story of David and Goliath, Dr. Baryomunsi stressed the importance of restoring San Giovanni School to its former prominence stating that the school must use its existing resources to tackle modern challenges.
Dr. Baryomunsi highlighted his strong relationship with ATC assuring the community that more initiatives would soon follow under the ATC Digital Communities Project.
ATC, a U.S.-based company primarily involves self in operating network masts in Uganda, has spearheaded various initiatives, including digital mobile trucks that promote computer literacy, vocational training, sports, and agricultural projects in the constituency among many others.
Minister Baryomunsi pledged his full support to San Giovanni School by resuming construction on a long-delayed multidisciplinary hall and working to secure more government-paid teaching staff for the institution. He urged the students to work hard and uphold high standards of discipline, reminding them that they are future leaders. “You must prepare to take over the leadership from me and other leaders,” he said.
The ICT center, with an estimated cost of Ugx 101 million will continue receiving support from the Ministry of ICT to ensure its ongoing operations as the Ministry committed self to providing additional resources for infrastructure improvements including water tanks, modern latrines, and funding for trainers who will operate the facility.
Dr. Baryomunsi further expressed his commitment to expanding digital literacy and computer skills training to all schools in the district leveraging his role as head of the ICT Ministry.
Sheila Mugisha, an official from ATC emphasized that the ICT hub at San Giovanni School is part of a broader initiative with 42 digital hubs established across Uganda.
Dorothy Kabagambe, the Executive Director of ATC Uganda stressed the hub’s inclusive nature highlighting that its services are available to all residents of Kanungu District regardless of age, religion, political affiliation, or tribe at no cost.
Kabagambe affirmed that the internet, training, and other services provided at the San Giovanni ICT hub are completely free and open to anyone willing to participate,” Kabagambe affirmed.
Denis Tukamuhabwa, the headteacher San Giovanni School thanked the minister and the government for their efforts to raise the school’s standards.
He also appealed to Dr. Baryomunsi for support in completing a multi-complex building that had been started by the parents but abandoned due to the high cost which is estimated at Ugx 5 billion.