Kakumiro in the Western Region of Uganda, Kibaale District, became the latest region in Uganda to join a growing movement equipping students with practical digital skills through WordPress. The event, held on April 25th, 2026, provided a platform for students to share ideas and think differently about how technology can help them achieve their goals.
Hosted by Mr. Simon Peter Kanyike Kiviiri at St. Edward’s S.S Bukuumi, the one-day learning event brought together students, educators, and aspiring digital creators for hands-on experience focused on website building, online publishing, open-source collaboration, digital storytelling, and technology-driven career opportunities.
As Sharebility Uganda and Edutech Teachers Network team, we supported students to explore technology, learn new skills and collaborate on exciting tech-based projects. Filling the room with excitement and enthusiasm, students were curious, eager to participate, and ready to try new things. For many, it was a rare chance to engage with practical technology tools and skills in ways that connected directly to their future.
These are skills that can open doors far beyond the classroom. They can help students continue learning, start projects, build careers, or simply become more confident using technology.
For some learners, it may have been the first time realising that websites are not only built by big companies or city dwellers, but that they can create them too using WordPress, a free content management system that features drag and drop functionality, which does not require previous software programming skills.
Ideas worth building
Across Uganda, many talented young people have ideas, creativity, and ambition, but often limited access to practical tools and mentorship that can turn those ideas into action.
Events like the WordPress Campus Connect help close that gap. They give learners exposure, confidence, technical skills, and the belief that they too can create websites, launch projects, solve community problems, and pursue digital careers.
This was evident when students shared results from brainstorming sessions on innovation projects they would like to develop – a highlight of the day.
They spoke about ideas that could help their schools, improve learning, solve local problems, and use technology in practical ways. Some ideas were simple, others ambitious, but all of them reflected something important: students are full of ideas when given the chance to think freely.
Moments like these matter because they shift students from passive learning to active problem-solving.
A vision we believe in
The event strongly aligns with the work we do through the EduTech Teachers Network STEAM Program (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), through which we support schools in establishing student-run tech clubs to encourage hands-on learning in coding, robotics, digital storytelling, and more.
One of the most valuable parts of this approach is peer-to-peer learning. Students learn from each other, teachers exchange ideas, and professionals share real-world experience. This kind of environment builds confidence faster than theory alone.
Many students in Uganda and across Africa have talent, creativity, and the desire to do something meaningful. What is often missing is exposure, guidance, and access to the right opportunities.
These platforms show students that technology is not distant or complicated. It is something they can learn, use, and shape for themselves.
A student who learns to build a website today can launch a business tomorrow.
A learner who shares an idea today can become an innovator later.
A teacher who supports a club today can inspire hundreds of students over time.
Reflections
The WordPress Campus Connect Kakumiro was more than a school event. It was a reminder that young people are ready to learn, create, build, and lead when given the opportunity.
With more programs like this, more mentorship, and continued support for school innovation clubs, communities can produce the next generation of creators and problem-solvers.
The potential is already there. It only needs a chance to grow.
Call to Action
The future of Campus Connect, as stated by WordPress Central, remains clear with its focus on fostering community, accelerating tech skills, and enabling digital transformation in education. The Edutech Teachers Network (ETN) remains committed to enabling young learners to build these foundational technology skills. We invite you to be part of our community by becoming a member.
This article was produced by Edutech Teachers’ NetWork. Contributions were made by Andrew Kedi and Rogers Mukalele
Next Event: Edutech Teachers Network (ETN) specialised workshop for nursery, kindergarten, and Early Childhood Development (ECD) educators, school leaders, and administrators, at Eden Cradle Care Pre-school, Wairaka, on Saturday, 30th May 2026.
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