Implemented by Cyber School Technology Solutions in partnership with the MasterCard Foundation, the five-year program, launched in 2022, has already reached seven institutions, trained over 440 instructors, and impacted more than 15,000 learners.
The initiative aims to integrate work readiness and entrepreneurship skills into the education system. It has achieved notable progress in providing flexible access to education, enhancing student engagement, improving learning outcomes, and bridging geographical barriers. Key benefits include personalized learning experiences, increased accessibility for diverse learners (including those with disabilities), cost-effective content delivery, real-time progress tracking, collaborative learning environments, and the incorporation of multimedia for richer learning.
Speaking at the sidelines of the “Young Africa works 2025 dialogue-Uganda” hosted by the MasterCard Foundation at the Kampala Serena Hotel on 18th and 19th of Feb 2025, Project Manager John Mukiibi Katende highlighted the initiative’s key achievements: improved access to education for students in remote areas and those with diverse needs, including working professionals, and professional development for instructors through online training and resources on using eLearning tools.
Despite this progress, Mr. Mukiibi cited the high cost of internet access as a major obstacle. “The main obstacle now is internet,” he stated. “The cost of internet bandwidth for educational institutions is still high, though coverage has improved with different partners. And then access to affordable gadgets like laptops and smartphones is also a challenge. I would like to ask the government to consider reducing taxes specifically on gadgets imported for promoting eLearning.”
Communication specialist Daphne Vicky Ekinamushabire echoed the concern about device affordability. “Devices are still very expensive,” she said. “The project has tried to support institutions with some devices, but you can’t give every student. It’s difficult, and they come and go. So, we need to sit down with different stakeholders and have conversations around how we would increase access to affordable devices, and also speak to telecom companies and the government about the need to reduce the cost of internet because you cannot do eLearning without devices and internet.”
Five-Star Tech Solutions, a business based at Busitema University in Tororo, is a direct beneficiary of the initiative. Founded by seven students after participating in entrepreneurship and business skills training provided by Cyber School Solutions, the company addresses a key challenge for students. “We realized that most of these students come with little or no knowledge about using the laptops,” said Josephine Ozitiru, a group member.
Our #YoungAfricaWorks representative Josephine, a student at @Busitema, embodies the spirit of the #YoungAfricaWorks 2025 dialogue… pic.twitter.com/7Y5dEoNtCI
— Cyber School Technology Solutions (@cstsug) February 18, 2025
Five-Star Tech Solutions provides IT support to students, eliminating the need for them to travel long distances to Tororo town for repairs. The company was born out of a recognized need within the student community, demonstrating the practical application of the skills learned through the eLearning initiative.
