We recently asked several students of Digital Literacy to write and share an essay describing their stories through the COVID-19 Pandemic. We will share some of their stories in these blog series.
My name Mulajjo Abdul Kelly and I am 14 years old. I completed primary school in 2021 (this very year) one month ago from Mpumu Primary School. I , like many of my fellow primary seven candidates, was not able to finish primary education in 2020 due to the covid-19 pandemic that led to the lockdown and closure of school. However, schools reopened this year and I was able to sit for Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE).
I joined Youth Rising on June 15th 2020 under Youth Rising Elevate program. This program was for primary seven candidates across our community to continue learning and prepare themselves for PLE during the COVID-19 lockdown. I fully participated and benefited a lot from the program for over 3 months. I interacted with teachers who helped me answer questions I had, and I also attempted over 30 question papers, and learned so much that helped me prepare for the final exams.
While in participating in the Elevate Program, I also enrolled in the Digital Literacy Program where I learned new computer and digital concepts. I am now able to use Microsoft Word to make (1) Certificate, (2) Christmas cards, (3) CV, (4) and Printing.
Now that I have completed my primary level, I am hopeful that l will be able to join secondary level and continue with my studies. While on holiday, I will continue to support Youth Rising through their volunteer program.
My name is Matthew Kagolo. I am 15 years old and I live with my parents in Luga village, Mukono district. I completed my PLE certificate from Mpumu Primary School back in 2018, but I have not had a chance to continue with formal education, due to financial challenges.
When I got out of school, I decided to start working in my Dad’s shop, and in 2019, I learned about the pandemic of corona virus. Our sales at the shop started going low and due to few customers. On some days, we could come open the shop but not have much to do. I started thinking of doing something else.
I learned about Youth Rising from my sister Nanyombi Irene who had participated in Youth Rising’s Elevate Program for primary seven candidates during lockdown last year.
I quickly went to inquire about the programs and I got interested in Digital Literacy. I officially started learning on 15th February 2021. I am currently doing the basic computer course while I also volunteer as Community Library Point Connector for Luga village for the Books on Bikes program. I am grateful that I get to help children in our village to access books and learning materials.
What has been exciting in the Digital Literacy Class is learning to create a g-mail for myself which helps to communicate and share information online. I am also learning Microsoft Word where I type letters, create bills, budgets, Christmas cards, and report cards.
In the next five years I want to be a secretary of secondary school in Uganda.