By Watchdog reporter
Ten Ugandan computer science university students will spent two weeks in China getting up-close with the latest technological advancements in the information and technology world.
Students have been picked from public universities.
Representing First Lady Janet Museveni, Dr JC Muyingo, the Minister of State for Higher Education on Monday flagged off the 10 Huawei Seeds for the Future finals to China at Makerere University Main Building Hall on Monday.
Speaking at the flag off ceremony, Dr Muyingo urged the students to be disciplined because they are representing Uganda for the two weeks training period in Beijing and Shenzhen cities.
“ICT education is an integral element to socioeconomic development of different countries. We together with our partners Huawei believe that the program shall act as a crucial platform for sharing the latest ICT technologies and enriching students’ work experience, helping to prepare them to work efficiently in ICT and their employment places. I thank Huawei for this wonderful initiative of the Seeds for the Future program that shall witness 10 students go to China to acquire hands-on ICT skills and an exposure to the latest trends in the world of technology,” he added.
This year’s program was launched on April 24th by Mr. Frank Tumwebaze, the Minister of ICT and National Guidance. A total of 35 students from various public universities were recommended to take part in this program. Only 10 made it to the finals.
“With the help of the Ministry and Makerere University, we notified the other various public universities of Uganda such as Muni, Kyambogo, Mbarara, Lira, Gulu and Busitema, which also come on board by sending five students from each to apply for this opportunity. The 35 proposals from these universities were reviewed by the judges’ team to shortlist the top 20 on 5th May. On 12th May, these 20 were interviewed to get to the top 10 whom we have announced today. The flagged off students shall leave on 2nd June to China for two weeks training,” says Mr. Stanley Chyn, the Managing Director of Huawei Uganda.
The Full list of the flagged off students is as follows:
- Hellen Raudha Nakayiza, Lira University
- Marvin Ggaliwango, Lira University.
- Daniel Mutembesa, Makerere University
- Godliver Owomugisha, Makerere University
- George Joseph Serunjogi, Makerere University
- Jonathan Kigozi, Muni University
- Francis Bukenya, Busitema University
- Sharon Judith Lalam, Gulu University
- Maria Drolence Mwanje, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
- Maria Angella Namuleme, Kyambogo University
“In many countries, there is a gap between the knowledge learned in the classroom and the skills that are necessary in the real world. Therefore, the pool of skilled personnel should be provided opportunities to learn and apply the latest technologies. I thank Huawei for being a responsible corporate citizen through its efforts in bridging the digital divide, improving efficiency and enriching lives through a better connected world in Uganda,” says the Chinese Ambassador to Uganda H.E. Zheng Zhuqiang who was also present to witness the flag off.
The Seeds for the Future program was initiated in 2008 by Huawei with over 2700 talents from all over the world for study trips in China.
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