Projects

Current Project (2014)

Project Name: 'STEM for Girls Uganda'

Funding: TFR14-00388

Sponsor: Google K-12 Education Out-reach Grant, USA

Principal Coordinator: Dr. Musiimenta Angella, PhD.

Coordinators: Kimera Richard, Robert Mugonza, John Ziine, Aaron Mugaba, Moreen Andiida and other STEM role models and industrial experts.

Intervention: Face-to-face interactive inspirational talks, Girls STEM Camp, and Radio sessions.

Duration: 12 months

Background: For most people on Earth, the digital revolution hasn't even started yet. Within the next 10 years, all that will change. Technology has the power to change the world for the better and Google has made it a priority to inspire young people to not just use technology, but to create it. But far too few have access to either the education or encouragement they need to pursue computing/STEM-related courses. Interest in STEM education in underserved communities continues to lag behind. Google has a critical role to play in making STEM more accessible and inclusive globally, especially for the girl child. Google is excited to support 42 organizations in 19 countries in 2014. MUST (ICS) is proud to be part of the 2014 Rise Award. The award is being used to inspire and create supportive environments for girls from rural secondary schools pursue STEM courses.

Preliminary Impacts: This month (March) alone, our 'STEM for Girls Uganda' have reached 950 girls and 54 teachers and parents in Bweranyangi and Kashaka Girls Secondary Schools. Our evaluation indicates tremendous improvements in girls’ knowledge of female role models in STEM careers, knowledge of available career options in STEM; ability to prepare for taking STEM courses at higher levels; improved attitudes, confidence and self-esteem to pursue and achieve in STEM courses and careers; and increased teachers’ and parents’ knowledge on how to encourage girls embrace STEM field.

Past Project (2012)

The Institute of Computer Science (ICS) in the year (2012) was proud to have been given a grant from Google to coordinate a 2-day workshop aimed at promoting computer-related studies in rural secondary schools in South western Uganda. This project was coordinated by the ICT4All (Information Communication Technology for All) group under the leadership of Dr. Angella Musiimenta.

The workshop was held on the 9^th and 10^th of august 2012 at Mbarara University. Schools that were represented include;
1. Ntare School
2. Mbarara Secondary school
3. Mbarara High School
4. Mbarara Modern
5. Shuadae Islamic school
6. Nyamitanga Secondary School
7. Ngabo Academy
8. Booma International
9.  Maryhill Girls School
10. Eden International High School
11. Kinoni Girls School
12. Mbarara Army School
13. Aliance High School
14. Manji Memorial High School
15. International Window
16. Senta Colledge
17. Cleverland High School
18. St. Joseph high School
19. Nyakayogyo Secondary School
20. St. Peter’s Secondary School

Teachers that participated in this workshop are encouraged to use this blog to share experiences and knowledge as well getting online support on issues regarding teaching Computer Science in secondary schools.