E-READER LAUNCHED @ RUBANDA SOLIDARITY SCHOOL FEB. 5-7 2015

Warm Ups For E-Reader Training!

  

It’s wonderful to see how technology is changing rural Rubanda community. Two years ago, Rubanda Solidarity Association ventured in introducing tech books in her school known as Rubanda Solidarity Nursery and Primary School. The process has been slow but sure with a pilot project started with a donation of five E-Reader books (Kindles) by a generous family in 2013 from Grants Pass in USA. They were loaded with 100 books each. The goal of the project was to find out how rural students would perceive tech books and what kind of impact it would make in improving their reading passion in a population that does little.

 A year later, the results were overwhelmingly surprising. There was high demand for more E- reader books at the school to carter for the growing number of interests students and staff in to an extent of scrambling to have a look. Weeks later, another generous family from Grants Pass donated more six E-reader books that were loaded with 150 books each. The demand of more E-Readers became a clear evidence that the project was very interesting to the kids. But what remained to be proved out was to find out to what extent would be the impact as regards quality education that is being spearheaded by Rubanda Solidarity School in the community. Indeed, the impact has already been felt by the superseeding numbers of students and teachers interested in the devices and the mastery of the usage. With this good news, Yamba Abaana USA, which is a new support organization to Rubanda Solidarity, began a fundraising project for more 50 E-Reader books loaded with 200 books each.

 The fundraising project was completed by the beginning of 2015 when Yamba Abaana USA went ahead to organize a partnership with Worldreader organization that spearheads the E-Reader program  to purchase the devices, load them with 200 suitable books each and ship them to Rubanda Solidarity School in South Western Uganda in a little village called Rubanda. Few days later, the books had arrived safely in Uganda and were delivered to the school. The Worldreader in partnership with Rubanda Solidarity then organized a launching project that took place between 5-7 of February at the school premises.  The Worldreader director of Easter African projects Joan Mwachi animated the training and foresaw the colorful Launching ceremony. The Launcnhing  was indeed  a vibrant and community transformational Day that Rubanda Solidarity School will live to remember.

At the Launching, the director of the school Rev. Fr. Dominic tumusiime who was so excited to see the project standing on its feet, thanked all those who made it possible and the day what it was. He welcomed all those present including government, religious and community leaders saying that it was a historical moment in Rubanda to converge in order to talk about technology books. In a special way, he thanked the Yamba Abaana USA, Worldreader, Rubanda Solidarity, the Community, and all those present who came to grace the Launching Day. He also thanked the school staff, parents and students for the great effort they are investing in quality education for children through the school. Their efforts are being rewarded with good the performances of their school in the district and the nation with with our students qualifying with a hundred percent performance to join high school education. Gifts were also given out to students and the staff for 2014 best performance.

There was also an peal from the Director for extra responsibility from the school administration, students and the community in caring for the E-Readers because they were a precious gift to the community meant to benefit everyone in a long run. They are a fruit of many generous people's sweat. Fr. Dominic also requested for more cooperation from parents and all present to seek quality education a priority. It's the children's life transforming power to come out of the current chronic poverty eating up individuals and the whole community.  He emphasized that investing in equal and quality education for both boy and girl child is one of the main hinges of of the existence of Rubanda Solidarity and we will have to continue to work together to reach this goal. It’s the only way of stamping out rampant stereotype attitudes of injustices between men and women in the community.

He requested them to look at the school enrollment on the notice board and see how the numbers between boys and girls are now almost drawing equal.

 Once again thank you so much for having labored so hard to make this project possible and to you who is contemplating how to help, you are welcome aboard.

 Please follow the occasion through the photos of the training and launching activities. 



Teachers on E-reader training Class Feb. 5/2015

Managers: From L-R Rogers, Immaculate and Innocent Feb. 2015




Everybody love it. On Training is Tr. Amos- front L (dean)
 Tr. Joy-C. ( Nursery deputy) and Innocent R-H/T

Trainer Ms Joan Mwachi with some of the Teachers on training



Head Teacher gets actively involved in the Kindle Training class



Everybody is excited about the E-Reader technology

Upper school grades (5-7) attending a Training

Students can't wait to handle an E- Reader during the training

Joan animating the training class

Some of the basic questions of the training posted on a blackboard  

Joan trains Bonaventure as a younger trainee.

H/T takes the centra stage for training

Bonaventure enters into a training session



Teacher Immaculate  is one of the Mangers on training the students

Students touching the screen for the first time in their life



Black boards, chocks and sponges
are still common  tools in a class in ugandan schools

Trainees ready to train 

Students excited at the training

Joan and the Trainees combine effors for excellent delivery to students

Teacher Amos supervises the students on training

The training was really fun for the students

Excited kids on seeing the ipad light up

They can't believe what they are seeing. "Its amazing", they screemed.

Blessing every success is an African art of wisdom to future successes.
Interdependence is a value without which an African can live.
We all depend on God first.
Student animates the school chior during a launching prayer services

Celebrating the E-Reader Launching Service with the district's
 local chairman representative Mary  and
 renowned community leader Mrs Topista present.

Some of the religious, friends and
community members who were present on the launch.

Children like fun. Its better remembered.

Fr. Dominic and Director of the school confering Certificates to the trainees.



Professor and Engineer Sabit addressing the community
on new opportunities of technology books in Rubanda.

Professor Sabit demonstrates how technology has transformed many communities

Former directress and co-founder of the school Sr Stellamaris
 and her succeessor Sr Beatrice also were present on the launching ceremony.

The Guest of Honor Ms Mary c- next to
East African Worldreader Director L-
admiring the E-Reader initative in Rubanda.



The incumbent school directress Sr. Anamary
Tibihirika addresses the visitors on the launching day.

The PTA Chairperson Mr. Xavier addressing the particpants 



The School Management Chair person Sr. Stellamaris
 addresses the public on the vision of the school.

The Guest of honor Ms Mary takes up the stage 

The Guest of honor invites the parents of  Fr. Dominic
 for recognition for a job well done in upbringing and educating their son.
Without him, this school wouldn't be here and we could  not have had the opportunity
 to be present today, she said. Father Dominic is the principle founder ten years ago
 and director of the school that is truly transforming the community

The parents of Fr. Dominic (C) gracing the occasion

The Guest of Honor  handing over certificates to the
best school performers of PLE 2014 as the director looks on.

Ms Peace L- joins the E-Reader trainees 

The School Director Fr. Dominic Joins
the trainees for a group photo after their training

The best students on the training smile

Girls can also perform just as  excellent as boys when it comes to technology

Boy students proud of being themselves to a bright future



This student wants to reach high with techology.
 " I can't wait to read all the books in my Kindle",
he exclaims as he returns it into its cage. 



Bright women of tomorrow put their hands on technology today

.

Very inspiring new teacher Amos admires
how the E-Readers technology is bringing life into the community.

The school bursar C- and administrators being introduced
 into a new accounting  system for better financial management and transperancy.

The RSDA's new accountant Mr.Tadeo-R briefing the administration of his expectations.

Kids who gaze at their bright future with confidence.
They just need true parental support to their  destiny.

Community Leaders of tomorrow are today's children at our school.
 Just wait for tomorrow.

How wonderful is God in his creatures. Kids are perfect images of God.

The Director joins the school administration and
 the PTA executive for a group photo
after their regular meeting to deliberate on the school matters

The DAILY School Board register of attendance Feb, 10th 2015
Gender equality is our precious goal. Compare our numbers.

PTA executive surveys a proposed land for a new nursery school construction

PTA surveying for a suitable land for a new nursery school construction.



Kids just love fun no matter where.
Our school provides an excellent opportunity.



Innocent as he looks, he is trully God's image



The Director enjoys a fun photo with the school kids.
It relaxes their minds after strenuous books.

Look at how funny these great kids can be at our school.

E-Reader books are not only admired by kids.
Its atransformational power to everyone.

Enjoy fun teeth or no teeth

Enjoy the African art of  free smiles



What's there that moves you to smile? The future is great. Keep walking.

Here, suffocation is of highest risk because of
 lack of enough room for social moments



Tomorrow is made up of today's pieces.
Can you imagine what the future holds for these kids?  




How lucky are these kids!
They have the right to enjoy laughter and smiles with their school's Director  who is a missionary
 in USA and comes back home  once a year to visit them. They are very much aware  
that out are many children as them but  whose life opportunities are not as
 fortunate as theirs. They know that they have been greatly blessed not only
  by being in a school but of good quality. They all have reasons to be jolly
 as they read their books. Staying  shoulder to shoulder with  their 
 school Director reveals a child's thirst for love.
They are great Kids with all sorts of amazing gifts and imagination.
All want to be great.



Happiness is a gift to pass on to others -especially the little ones like these



How important we are meant to be the care takers of others especially the little
 ones and the needy.That's what we exist for.We have the mandate to shelter
 one another regardless of  place, age, gender or cost.

School life is essential in a child's life today more than ever before.
Unfortunately, they are so many poor kids in Uganda and in Rubanda
who miss out this  important life requirement.  Those children missing the opportunity
are already  condemned to die with their potentials buried in them. Someone, somewhere must help out.
Someone with a generous soul to create a smile on the faces of those little ones. For those who
are already doing it, its self explanatory on the faces of the children you support. Thank you. And please
 if you are someone who is still pondering  of what you could do, contact us by Visiting our website at: http://yambaabaana.org/



These are some of the few children in Uganda who smile and are proud of who they are. 
Many indeed are full of tears due to extreme poverty in their families into the future.
They have nothing to call investment or their own and no hope to hang on.



Proud of being in a good school

Ms Leticia, on the machine is one of the successful trainees
of Rubanda Solidarity in life skills who back in 2005 who never stops 
to be grateful of the opportunity she received through the life-skills training several
 years ago. Today, her life depends on those skill she acquired for a life long living.
She also contributes to the school by making the uniforms.



See the beauty of growign up. Along the way, we all lose something.
 Could be a tooth or something else. No matter what you lost or will lose,  always maintain
  your self esteem. With the Lord on your side new opportunities will  come  your way and you will make it.

Computer Technology Connects Rubanda with the World

CIT is power to rural community development

Tukamushaba Bonaventure
 offering computer basic class
to his first students, Nov. 2014

Five years ago no one could imagine that Rubanda community would ever be connected to the Global GPS.

There was hardly no piece of information on the net one could find about Rubanda. Mentioning the word technology in Rubanda community would sound funny and strange as many would wonder what kind of animal it was. But today, things have changed. Everyone wants a phone, a computer and to be modern. One feels left behind without technology which seems to have come to stay.

In the year 2000, one could hardly make an online research about Rubanda or even find its location. Rubanda Solidarity is proud of being among the first institutions to introduce this little rural and isolated community found in the south west Uganda to the search engines by its online publications. Today it’s no longer news but attracting a huge number of talented indigenous and international man power to write and know more about the community and its needs of development. And indeed Rubanda has lots of opportunities to offer and poverty related concern that needs both local and international efforts. 

Locally, young generations are getting attracted to these new opportunities. They are very responsive but greatly need community role models to continue to inspire them. There is also a new trend coming up among the elite class in the community who mainly live in urban communities where they went  for employment and better life opportunities. In the recent years, there is a change in attitude with many local people investing in the community of origin  for development. For example many are now engaged in projects like construction of private schools, tea plantations, query mining and so on.  These are all new opportunities of development for young people and a break through from the stereotype mind..

The Government too is getting more committed to providing basic means of infrastructure to development.   The recent government developments are; Kabale Kisoro Road that connects the south western communities with DRC that has been tarmacked and the ongoing construction of Mbarara-Kabale-Kigari highway. The connection of the community to the National electricity power line through the Uganda Rural Electrification program is another huge asset for development.

These developments are gradually accommodating the highest percentage of the young generation commonly known as .com generation. It’s a vibrant generation which, however, needs the way and the means with technology being one of the best means on menu right now. Rubanda Solidarity views technology as of very great importance to rural development and strives to integrate it in its quality education system as much as possible.  

Right now our pilot projects are on basic computer teaching, Kindlereader program to school children and developing modern ways of communication within the administration, donors, sponsorships and so on. So far so good though low levels of education to the highest percentage of community members is the biggest obstacle that requires constant education and guidance that can be time consuming and costly. However, lots of efforts are being made and many generous people responding to our needs.

Tukamushaba Bonaventure is one of the first young breed who has been offered the opportunity into basic computer training in order to train others. Tukamushaba is a high school graduate, passionately in need of continuing to persue his college studies. In the mean time he is excited to serve the community by introducing a basic course in Computer Information Technology. In return it build his confidence and adds value to his education levels and expands his future education and employment opportunities. Life skills are as vital as one being self employed in a community where employment scourge is on the rise among the growing number of idle youth and graduates in Uganda.

In the photo below are some of his first computer class students enjoying the class. Next, see the basic computer package of the training he offers: 

FOCUSED CLASS & TIMETABLE   FOR BONAVENTURE.

COMPUTER: Study practical skills and Technology

COURSE OUTLINE:

	3 DAYS  INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER
	Ø  Arrival and  course registration
	Ø  Information and  ICT and  introduction to computer
	Ø  Computer systems; in put devices, CPU,output devices, secondary device
	Ø  Computer  key Board skills; startup and exit procedures ,keyboarding  technique
	Ø  Keyboarding  skills on speed
	Ø  Keyboarding skills on data accuracy
	ONE WEEK
	MICROSOFT WORD
	ü  How  to save  the  work in word (File)
	ü  How  to edit  your  work  in word
	ü  How  to format  the work
	ü  How  the tools  work
	ü  How to  print  the  document
	ü  How  to view   your work
	ü  How to insert e.g.  pictures ,documents
	ü  How  to use windows in word
	ü  How   to  draw the tables
	ONE WEEK
	Microsoft Excel
	Open a new Excel workbook. Moving from one cell to another • Entering information in cells • Removing a hyperlink • Center and merge • Sort ascending • Deleting a row or column Using AutoSum • Using the fill handle to copy formulas • Using AutoFormat • Using the Chart Wizard to create a pie and bar graph ONE WEEK  PLUS   INTERNET MICROSOFT POWER POINT
	How to arrange slides How to connect  projector to computer  when  presenting How to use colors  that are clear for  the audience Types of slides and when to be used.
	INTERNET
	Types  of browsers  How  to download on the  internet How to create emails and  how to send emails  and read emails on in box How to search on the  Net How to log out or sign out your emails. What is  websites  and  what is use of websites

Nb: Certificate will be a warded at the end of course training

Responsibilities of the Students

ALL students are expected to attend   classes, participate actively in the class

discussions and contribute effectively to group discussions and presentations

of all skills have leant.