In today’s digital age, access to technology and digital skills is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Recognizing this, we embarked on a mission to bring essential digital skills to the community through a comprehensive training program held at the Hoima Public Library from 5th to 9th August 2024. The week-long event attracted a remarkable turnout of 851 participants, all eager to enhance their ICT knowledge and bridge the digital divide.

Understanding Our Participants

Before diving into the training, we conducted a pre-training survey to gain a deeper understanding of the participants. The survey revealed some interesting demographics and insights:

• Age and Gender: The majority of the participants were male, with most falling into the 26-35 age bracket. This demographic is particularly significant, as they represent a crucial segment of the population that is often balancing work, family, and the need for continuous learning.
• Access to Technology: While most participants had access to mobile phones and email, a significant number did not own personal computers. This highlights a gap in access to essential tools, which the training aimed to address. Participants generally accessed computers and the internet at community centers or libraries, underscoring the importance of public resources in bridging the digital gap.
• Internet Usage: It was noted that while many participants used the internet primarily for communication, there was limited engagement with more advanced online activities such as cloud storage and e-commerce. This pointed to an opportunity to expand their understanding and usage of the internet beyond basic communication.

Training Sessions: A Step Toward Digital Inclusion

Over the five days, a total of 29 sessions were conducted, averaging six sessions per day. These sessions were carefully designed to meet the needs identified in the pre-training survey. The focus was on providing participants with the foundational skills necessary to navigate the digital world confidently. Topics ranged from basic computer operations to more advanced discussions on online safety, internet browsing, and the use of digital tools for everyday tasks.

The enthusiasm of the participants was palpable. Their eagerness to learn was evident as they engaged actively in the sessions, asked questions, and participated in hands-on activities. The strong turnout and participation levels indicated a clear demand for such training programs within the community.

Key Takeaways and Future Directions

The training at Hoima Public Library was more than just a series of lessons; it was a community-building experience that brought people together with a shared goal of personal and professional growth. The high level of interest in learning basic computer skills suggests that there is still much work to be done in terms of digital literacy, especially in areas outside urban centers.

Moving forward, we aim to build on this momentum by tailoring future training sessions to address the specific needs of the community. This could include more focused workshops on online storage solutions, e-commerce, and other advanced digital skills that can open up new opportunities for the participants.

The success of the digital skills training at Hoima Public Library is a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives. By providing access to essential skills and resources, we are helping to empower individuals to take control of their digital futures. As we continue to expand our programs, we remain committed to fostering a more digitally inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the digital age.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our journey toward digital empowerment!