News and Events > Awach Maarifa Centre Opened: Hope Sparked

The installation of five Inveno computers at the Awach community Maarifa centre, in Gulu district sparked pomp and jubilation as young boys and girls witnessed the launch.

Young children were particularly keen to have a look and a feel of a computer. Katkach Oloo, a 7-year-old boy had this to say, “This TVs are good, and I will keep watching everyday and will be bored no more!” His friend observed the same, as they both anticipated for a firsthand experience on the computers. Young Speke Kadad would like to become an engineer in future and he foresees his dreams coming true now that he can learn basic computer skills right from his village. The young pupil at Mama Rosa nursery school was quite enthusiastic as he got quick lessons on typing A, B, C, D and 1, 2, 3, 4... A boy tries his hand at a computer at the centre.

The Awach Maarifa centre is situated near a police post, about 400m from the Awach market. Given that there is no electricity in Awach, the center uses solar power that provides the required energy to run the computers and lighting at night. This is the first of its kind in Gulu region. Housed in a properly refurbished container, the project is a brainchild of ALIN in partnership with Agency for Coorporation and Research in Development (ACORD) based in Gulu that hosts ALIN’s country office in Uganda.

“This centre will help the marginalized Gulu communities to access information and knowledge hence improving their livelihoods”; Jacqueline Atingo the Country Manager based at Gulu informed a few community members who passed by the centre. She added that in Uganda three other centers are based at Moyo, Koro and the earlier one that was established in 2007 at Lukwanga in collaboration with Environmental Alert. Local extension workers are enthusiastic given the new project that will enhance their work. “In the past we used to travel from Awach to Gulu a distance of over 45km to present our hand written reports to the district office. With this new project, we’ll now open e-mail accounts, learn typing and just click, and the report will reach the district head office”, remarked a teacher from a neighbouring school.

Mr. Opiro Geoffrey who formerly worked with the Diocese of Northern Uganda, had difficulties accessing information on development issues. “Sometimes you could travel all the way to Gulu and upon arriving there; you’re told there is no electricity. This greatly frustrated my efforts”. Mr. Opiro was quite optimistic that with the Awach Maarifa centre offering Internet and other services, he’ll be able to learn more IT packages and get linked to his friends regularly via Facebook. “In my view, the center will expose the youth to new technologies at an early age thus conveniently sharpening their skills in computer use. It will also enhance their interest in learning more new things. In addition parents will have their children busy instead of them roaming idly from village to village.” Concluded Mr. Opiyo.