Søren Kierkegaard once said, “Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.” Today, we mark the begining of yet another year, a pack of 365 days – days we can only guess about, knowing not much of what awaits us.
As an association, we had an eventful year in 2022. Elections, workshops, seminars, exams, interviews, name it. Some finished the year triumphantly while some had a share of trials – but that’s what we call life. The fact that you are reading this means that you have, by any means crossed into a new year and should therefore be thankfull to the powers that be for enabling you to make it. Happ New Year Comrade!
Looking back at 2022
Taking a look back to the past year, you can see a trail of activities and the wins that come along. As an association, these activities are one way of achieving our goals and objectives but most importantly, these activities help individuals attain knowledge, skills and expertise that make us better performers at work. I will hint on afew of the activities that happened in the year 2022.
The Annual General Meeting at Trinity College Nabbingo
Like I earlier on mentioned, we had an eventful year. Members of the association converged at Trinity College Nabbingo in April for the Annual General Meeting where the current executive was elected for their 2 year tenure. It was at these elections that Mr. Lukyamuzi Ronald was given the mantle to serve as ITAU President replacing Mr. Kakaire Charles.
I was priviledged to be elected as National Coordinator, a position previously held by Mr. Mukalele Rogers.
This workshop brought on board several stakeholders including the Directorate of Industrial Training, ICDL Africa, NITA, Edify Uganda and Nugsoft Technologies.
Grand National Students Seminar at Hilton High School
The month of June saw students converge at Hilton High School for the national students seminar organised by Mr. Mutyaba Daniel, a member of staff of the said school and also ITAU Vice President.
In pics: National Students Seminar at Hilton Hiigh School
The 1-day event aimed at students was one of the continuous efforts to better performace in the forthcoming UNEB exams.
Computer Repair & Networking Workshop at Makerere College
In July, teachers of ICT converged at Makerere College School for a 1 day technical workshop that was aimed at skilling teachers in computer repair and networking. The workshop was graced by the Executive Director of Uganda Communciations Commission, Eng. Irene Kaggwa Ssewankambo.
In pictures: ICT Teacherd Technical Workshop at Makarere College School
The workshop was facilitated by Mr. Kawuma Richard, Mr. Lukyamuzi Ronald, Mr. Wammanga Moses and Mr. Mukalele Rogers and supported by Kawa Uganda.
Computer Repair & Networking Workshop at St. Bruno Sserunkuma SS in Masaka
In September, it was Masaka’s turn for ICT teachers to share and learn about the technical skills needed in their day to day duties in school computer labs. Organised by Mr. Njala Charles, the workshop was facilitated by a huge team that included myself, Mujuni Fred – Host, Head of ICT Department, Sekitto Henry,Mukalele Rogers,Nalukwago Dorah and Kakuru Benard.
In Pictures: How it went down at St. Bruno Sserunkuuma SS Masaka
WordCamp Jinja
WordCamp Jinja, though not an ITAU event was also one of the key activities in which members participated. The 2 day event which I co-organised alongside Mukalele Rogers was held at the Innovation Village with members coming from as far as Kabale and Arua.
The event, held in September, was a mix of learning and fun as members got insights from international speakers and finally closed off with a tour of the Source of River Nile.
2023, Whats in stock?
Steve Jobs, a modern day inventor is credited with saying, “If you are working on something that you really care about, you don’t have to be pushed. The vision pulls you.” And so it is with ITAU. With lessons learnt and a vision to build, the entire executive is more than ready to push the association’s agenda accross the country.
In the year 2023, members should expect more online sessions under the #EachOneTeachOne series, more #EdTech visits accross institutions of higher learning, more workshops and students seminars all with the main purpose of kicking computer illiteracy out of Uganda.
But like an association, the advice of members is key in making us serve better. What is your view?
Click here to advise the executive on how to make ITAU better.
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Stephen Dumba is the National Coordinator of the ICT Teachers’ Association of Uganda. Besides teaching ICT, he repairs computers and builds websites. Steve is a speaker and facilitator at tech events and and CEO of senior1.org and a consultant on education technology.
Tel: +256 772 111 223 | +256 752 111 223 | Email: stephen.dumba@gmail.com
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