From Computer Illiterate to Computer Literate: Nabakazi Petralina’s Story

“I came to the training computer illiterate, but I am going back to my school computer literate.”

My name is Nabakazi Petralina, a teacher at St. Mulumba Primary School in Bufeesa Zone, Naibowa Parish, Butansi Subcounty, Bugabula South Constituency, Kamuli District.

I would like to thank our generous sponsors, the Giebink Family Technology Center, for giving me the opportunity to acquire computer knowledge and skills, access the internet, and learn in the beautiful, well-equipped computer laboratory at Kamuli Township Primary School.

I also sincerely thank our trainers—Robert, Brian, Gloria, Desmond and many others—for the great work they have done to ensure that I and other teachers acquire computer knowledge and skills. Thank you for your time, energy, patience, love and friendship. May God bless you.

From computer illiteracy to confidence

Before joining the teachers’ training, I was computer illiterate. I could not name the parts of a computer, open or shut down a computer, use programmes such as Microsoft Word and Excel, hold a mouse confidently or type using a keyboard. I knew nothing about computers.

Through the training, I have learned many of these skills. I can now open and shut down a computer, type and save my work, prepare schemes of work, lesson plans and report cards using Word and Excel.

I also learned how to use Gmail. I can create an email account, send an email and search for information using a computer. I discovered tools such as ChatGPT and Gemini that can help me find information more quickly, and I can also use Excel and search for information using my phone.

Taking the skills back to school

I came to the training computer illiterate, but I am going back to my school computer literate. I am going to practise the knowledge and skills I acquired and teach my fellow teachers what I learned. I will also encourage them to join the next training because they have missed a lot.

The programme also gave me an opportunity to meet and interact with teachers from different schools. Once again, I thank both our sponsors and trainers for the opportunity to become computer literate.

If possible, I would be grateful for more training. It has been a wonderful and enjoyable experience. I promise that next time, I will not only become computer literate—I will become a computer genius.