*The ITC classes at Global Leaders Primary are the only technology lessons available to primary school students in our district.*

During a recent visit to Global Leaders Primary School in rural Uganda, I witnessed first-hand the profound impact of our education technology initiative—the Global Access Digital Learning Lab. This initiative is a beacon of hope and opportunity, not just for our students but also for our dedicated teachers.

Transforming Rural Education Through Technology

In partnership with Team4Tech and The BABA Foundation (London), Far Away Friends has established the first-ever technology learning lab within our school. Here, students from 4th to 7th grade eagerly engage with computers during their daily ITC lessons, mastering both hardware and software essentials—from typing to creating documents in Microsoft Word. For many, this is their inaugural journey into the digital world.

This initiative is crucial, given that less than 10% of schools in Uganda have functioning computer labs, despite the country’s 15 million school-going children. Astonishingly, about 50% of individuals entering Ugandan universities have never operated a computer. This stark technology gap highlights the urgent need for our work and the transformative potential of our initiatives.

A Glimpse into the Future

Witnessing the excitement and curiosity of our students and teachers as they navigate new technologies for the first time is truly inspiring. It is not just about learning to use a computer; it is about unlocking a realm of possibilities and paving the way for these young learners to become innovators and job creators in their communities. Over the next several months, we look forward to offering students in Amolatar the chance to leverage technology to share their personal stories and experiences of growing up in rural Uganda with students from around the world.

Our collaboration with our friends at Team4Tech and The BABA Foundation has been instrumental in this journey. Their support not only makes this lab possible but also fuels our mission to equip the next generation with the tools they need for success in an increasingly digital world.

Why This Matters

Educational technology is more than just a tool—it's a ladder to opportunities. By training the youth, who form Africa's next biggest workforce, in essential tech skills, we are empowering them to transcend the traditional roles of job seekers and become job makers.

Looking Ahead

As we continue to expand our educational technology initiatives, we are reminded of the critical importance of global partnerships and local engagement. Each step we take brings us closer to a future where every child can navigate the digital world with confidence and creativity.

We are immensely proud of what we have achieved so far, and look forward to what the future holds this year as we expand tech resources in ALL of our classrooms at Global Leaders (stay tuned!). Together, we are not just changing lives; we are transforming futures.

Become an Advocate for Education