College launches Free Computer Studies lessons for secondary school students

The RASUCO Institute of Technology and Business Studies in Bondo Sub County has initiated a collaboration with local day schools to provide students with computer literacy training.

Evans Ochieng Akumu, the institution’s manager, stated that students from various day schools will have the chance to spend an entire day at the college to familiarize themselves with both the hardware and software aspects of computers at no cost.

Ochieng explained that the initiative was prompted by the observation that day schools, which serve students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, lack essential ICT resources, putting them at a disadvantage in digital skills compared to students from established boarding schools.

“In today’s world, computer skills are essential across all sectors. When one group of students has access to computer training at a young age (in primary or secondary school), while another group does not encounter a physical computer until after completing Form 4, the disparity becomes evident. In fact, introducing students to computers after Form 4 in this digital age is already too late,” Ochieng remarked.

He added, “By partnering with schools, we have designated specific days for them to visit our facility, where they can handle and learn basic computer operation skills from our trainers. This will help them overcome the ‘computer phobia’ they experience when entering tertiary institutions or training programs after finishing Form 4.”

During the launch of the initiative, the manager emphasized their commitment to bridging the gap so that students in day schools do not feel left out and to promote equity, ensuring fair competition with students from schools that have computer labs.

“The government has a duty to ensure educational access for all students in the country, but it cannot do everything alone. It is the responsibility of the private sector, like ours, to help fill the gaps and ensure equitable access to computer training.”

He also mentioned plans to extend the initiative to local primary schools in the future, aiming not only to combat “computer phobia” but also to spark interest in computer skills among students under the new competency-based curriculum.

“Next week, we will host students from Gobei Secondary School, just as we are currently hosting those from Bondo Township Secondary School. Once we finish with the day secondary schools, we will focus on primary schools as part of this ongoing initiative,” Ochieng revealed.

Erick Omondi Oyule, a teacher from Bondo Township Secondary School, praised RASUCO Institute for launching the program.