Tag Archives: #technology

UCU Writing Center students share experiences

August 7, 2024Faculty of Engineering, Design & Technology, News, Students, UCU School of Business, UCU School of Social Sciences#News, #students, #technology, business, Social Sciences, Writing CenterPatty Huston-Holm

(On October 20, 2022, the main campus of Uganda Christian University (UCU) officially opened a writing center located at Hamu Mukasa Library. Guided by Prof. Tom Deans, director of a writing center at the University of Connecticut, USA, the purpose was to help students improve their writing skills in all disciplines. The model is one of personalised support to students through one-on-one coaching, workshops, and other resources. According to Kajubi Martin, the center’s acting manager, over 200 students have been served. Michael Ainomugisha, a student in the UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication, interviewed a few of these students.)

Said Muhamod – School of Social Sciences
“As an international student from Somalia, I used to struggle to write essays and tasks. The Writing Center has helped me develop my skills in essay writing, research methodologies, and dissertations. They offered individual feedback on my work, including advice on proper formatting and directions. Weekly lessons aimed to improve my grammar and fluency, which greatly improved my abilities to write and speak English. Furthermore, the Center taught me how to write resumes and application letters. The Writing Center has been excellent in assisting me in adapting to my assignments and overcoming language barriers, considerably improving my academic achievement and communication skills.”

Agenorwot Daphine Amone – Faculty of Engineering, Design and Technology
“One of the reasons I went to the Writing Centre was because I needed help to improve my writing skills in terms of essays and answering assignments. I was connected to a coach in a course unit, and I have learned a lot and improved my writing. I believe that learning is an ongoing process, so I will continue to attend the sessions at the Writing Center. Also. I have learned communication skills, particularly in public speaking. Mr. Kajubi helped us with presentations in class, and we practised talking about ourselves, which helped me gain confidence and be the best version of ourselves when speaking to a large audience. I believe that I will continue to learn from the Writing Center and continue to improve my writing skills.”

Nambuya Whitney Gladys – School of Business
“I got to know about the Writing Center after visiting the library regularly, and I saw the poster outside. I also had two of my classmates who are members of the Writing Center so I got to know more about it from them. The coaches have guided us on how to write our dissertations, which is one of the requirements as you are graduating in our final year of the course. It’s interesting, we learn more and this is a point in time where I was supposed to write something like a review which was one of the questions that we were doing in game Writing and Study skills two, so it kind of challenged me. I would rate my writing to 8.5 (out of 10) before seeking help. I would really struggle with how to write particular things like limits of the CV, the letters. I was narrowed down to some basic things but after interacting more with them, I got guidance and more things that would be beneficial for me when I move out of the university.”

Kukundakwe Hope – School of Business
“The UCU Writing Center has been a transformative resource for me. I’ve learned how to make proper references and citations, write essays and approach my coursework with greater confidence. The guidance I’ve received on how to write my course units has been invaluable. This support has significantly elevated my coursework marks and improved my CGPA. The coaches at the Writing Centre have been helpful, providing assistance and ensuring I understand the best approaches to my coursework. They go above and beyond to help us excel in our dissertations and research work, which has greatly enhanced my overall academic performance. My experience at the Writing Centre has been exceptional, and I am grateful for the skills and knowledge gained. Their commitment to student success is evident, and I highly recommend their services to any student looking to improve their academic writing and performance.”

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To support Uganda Christian University programs, students, activities and services, go to www.ugandapartners.org and click on the “donate” button, or contact UCU Partners Executive Director, Mark Bartels, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org.

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UCU Writing Center coaches share how they help others

August 6, 2024Faculty of Engineering, Design & Technology, News, Students, UCU School of Business, UCU School of Education#News, #students, #technology, business, Education, Writing CenterPatty Huston-Holm

Busobozi Ian John Baptist, right, coaches a group of students in the UCU Writing Center.

(With a team of 29 dedicated student coaches from various schools and faculties, Uganda Christian University’s writing center, located within the Mukono campus’ Hamu Mukasa Library, plays a key role in academic enrichment. Officially opened in October 2022 and currently under the leadership of Kajubi Martin, the acting manager, the center strives to help students amplify their writing skills, scholarly voice and academic success. Christine Mirembe, a student in the School of Journalism, Media and Communication, got some insights into the center through interviews with four coaches.)

Christy Asiimwe – School of Education
Christy Asiimwe, alongside Joshua Gira, is working to develop an English language program tailored specifically for international students.

“I am excited about the curriculum,” Christy, an English major in the UCU School of Education, said. “I would love to do a masters in Education, Management and Curriculum Development using experience from the writing center as a base. I wish to have an online presence where I teach English.”

Having a background in the French language as part of her high school curriculum has accorded Christy an advantage when tutoring students from Francophone countries. While she encourages them to speak and write English, she greets them in French.

“I am assigned students based on their needs and my competencies,” said Christy, who has been a tutor, working twice a week for 90 minutes each, since 2023. “As much as I would have loved to engage more with my students, my busy schedule does not allow more.”

She credits supportive colleagues, particularly Joshua, also an English major, for any success she has.

“Working at the writing center has been very fruitful,” Christy said. “I cherish the bonds I’ve built with students. Watching them grow and being part of their journey brings me immense joy and fulfillment as a teacher. Helping them fit into the society by engaging them with the English language is an opportunity the writing center has availed.”

Two improvements she suggested are more tutor trainings and stronger collaboration with the International Students Association.

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Milton Abel Opio – School of Business
“Writing should be a compulsory skill for every student; its power speaks a lot more if we go into details. Effective communication is crucial in all fields, business inclusive.”

These are the words of Milton Abel Opio, a writing center coach and student in the School of Business. He has a passion for writing and helping others share his passion. He is grateful that Martin Kajubi recruited him as a tutor in February 2023.

“I tutor accounting in business administration because that is where my strength is channeled,” Milton said. “I find it more transparent; it is way more than just numbers, something that most people do not know. My sessions are usually two to four hours, depending on my students’ workload and their ability to grasp concepts.”

Helping others is a win-win as he has discovered improvements in his own work as he does more reading and research to have a better grasp of concepts and to share with those who he tutors. His own writing about finance has multiplied.

“Tutoring at the writing center has been amazing; you get to meet and interact with people from all walks of life,” Milton said. “I have hence used this space to learn, unlearn and re-learn from various people, making me better.”

He cited an example – “one of my most rewarding moments” – of working with a student who had difficulties structuring essays and how together, they organized ideas, developed thesis statements and incorporated evidence.

He acknowledged that time management has been difficult as he juggles his own work with time to help others with theirs.

“I try to maintain a schedule that allocates time for my personal assignments and office duties,” Milton said. “Multitasking has become the standard practice. I would love to continue tutoring. The past year has been amazing and with unwavering support, I know there is still room for me to learn and create impact where passion lies. Learning never stops.”

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Busobozi Ian John Baptist – Faculty of Engineering, Design and Technology
Before coming to the writing center in September 2023, Busobozi Ian John Baptist had a reputation for sharing knowledge with colleagues. He believes that teaching has rewards for both teacher and student.

“You can teach someone; they get 90% and you get 80%,” he said.

With average sessions running for two-to-three hours each, he guides groups of five to six students.

“Engineering requires a lot of time and dedication,” Baptist said. “I recall conducting a study session that lasted from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. during which we thoroughly reviewed all the work from across all the course units in preparation for exams.”

Prior to all sessions, he gives students a heads-up on what will be discussed and when. This allows prior preparation, hence making the work more effective. Meeting and interacting with a diverse audience is an opportunity tutoring has provided.

Baptist has been impacted by the “learning by teaching” principle, where teaching others has helped him solidify his own understanding of concepts and retention of knowledge. He grasps concepts much better and attributes his good grade-point average to this.

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Isooba Mbeiza Rachel – Faculty of Engineering, Design and Technology
Since childhood, Isooba Mbeiza Rachel has enjoyed passing on what she knows to others.

“Helping someone understand concepts brings me joy,” she said.

Since assuming her writing center coach role in September 2023, she has met with one-to-two students for two hours each week. While helpful, she feels sessions could be more beneficial if they were longer and more frequent.

“Mr. Martin Kajubi, our director, is amazing, helpful and very understanding,” Rachel said. “It is such a blessing to be part of the writing center. People are very kind, friendly and embrace teamwork. Generally, the atmosphere is very conducive for all.”

She also lauded the 2024 writing week that exposed students to different types of literature.

As with other tutors, balancing their own academics with tutor duties can be challenging, according to Rachel who added that the benefits outweigh obstacles.

“Witnessing the great academic impact the writing center has had on the student body and my passion for teaching others, I would love to continue working with the writing center,” she said.

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Student credits friends with work-world experience, parents and reading for ‘best’ designation

August 2, 2024Faculty of Engineering, Design & Technology, News, Students, UCU Alumni#News, #students, #technology, UCU AlumniPatty Huston-Holm

Sarah Nsereko with UCU Chancellor Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu

By Kefa Senoga
Reaching the top among 1,159 students at Uganda Christian University (UCU) was no walk in the park for Sarah Nsereko. With a Grade-Point Average of 4.72 out of 5.0, she received a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and beat other students’ academic standing at the July graduation.

While other students were engaged in extracurricular activities beyond classes, she was reading – often for long hours into the night.

“There was a lot of sacrifice,” Nsereko said during an interview with Uganda Partners. “There is nothing that comes out of being in the comfort zone; you have to put in the hours.” On weekends, it would not be a surprise to find her in the library.

Finding energy was sometimes a struggle.

“I always got the feeling that people were out there enjoying themselves as I was drained in books,” Nsereko says.

Sarah Nsereko receiving award from UCU Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi

For her effort, she excelled. The university gave her an award on graduation day. That achievement, Nsereko says, will inspire her siblings to do well at school. Nsereko is the first born of three children.

In addition to her own efforts, Nsereko largely attributes her success to the friends she had at the university.

“I kept the company of people who were working and many of them had industry knowledge, which they usually shared with me,” she says.

She names her classmate, Charles Muganga, as her mentor, saying he was always available to offer advice on any academic matter. Two months ago, Muganga led the best pitching team at a national hackathon in Uganda.

“Things became increasingly difficult each semester at school, but Nsereko persisted and kept pushing forward,” Muganga said. “She spent sleepless nights, sought additional consultations, but above all, she also kept on encouraging us.”

Nsereko also attributes her success to the Robotics Club, where she says she received academic guidance, especially on the practical aspects of the course.

Thanks to her parents — Mr. and Mrs. Hilda Nsereko — Nsereko says her tuition was always paid on time. To pay back her parents’ hard work, she studied hardl.

According to Mr. Nsereko, his daughter has had a positive impact by setting a good example for her younger siblings to emulate. He adds that the knowledge Nsereko has gained will be useful to the family, as well as the community.

He said his daughter, who he describes as God-fearing, always seeks clarity on anything not clear to her, in addition to seeking new knowledge.

Now that Nsereko has completed her bachelor’s degree, she is focusing on finding employment. But that will only be after she completes her current internship at Stanbic Bank, where she says she is gaining valuable experience.

“I hope to use my knowledge mostly to automate tasks because that’s what I specialised in,” she says.

Nsereko completed her primary education at Kampala Junior Academy and her secondary education at Nabisunsa Girls School. Both schools are in Kampala.

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UCU among Africa-European Partners working toward renewable energy enhancement

December 17, 2020News#COVID19, #DALILA, #Lockdown #Uganda, #renewable energy, #Tanzania, #technology, #UgandaChristianUniversity, business, UCU, UCUPartnersPatty Huston-Holm

Renewable energy partners pose at early 2020 meeting in Tanzania

By Godfrey Sempungu
Associate Dean, Faculty of Business and Administration

Many a man who has walked on the African soil has tasted its unlimited endowment of God-given resources – the sun, wind and water, to mention a few. In Africa, it is said that nature warmly smiles down on every soul almost every day. The continent is laden with an abundance of mildly tapped renewable energy and business-creating opportunities. Bubbling within this unearthed investment potential are many young adults who for one reason or another have not focused on the abilities within their reach. Youth who both finished school and didn’t are under utilized.

Amidst this scenario of mixed opportunity and unearthed creativity, the DALILA project was crafted. (See video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TO-CT3rsE0c)

The Swahili origin of DALILA means delicate and gentle. In 2020 and connected to Uganda Christian University (UCU), it refers to the Development of Academic Curricula on Sustainable Energies and Green Economy in Africa. It’s a capacity-building project funded by the Education, Audio-Visual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) of the European Union. The main objective is to establish six new courses on “Renewable Technologies” and “Green Business creation and development” in two universities in Tanzania and two in Uganda.

The article’s author, Godfrey Sempungu, at left, in Zanzibar

UCU and three other African universities – Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) and Tanzania’s University of Dodoma (UDOM) and State University of Zanzibar (SUZA) – are engaged in the venture. Partners outside Africa are Sapienza University of Rome in Italy; the University of Cadiz in Spain and professional agencies such as Sahara ventures in Tanzania, Asud in Italy and a renewable energy organization called INOMA Renovables in Spain.

Despite the COVID-19 education restrictions, the three-year project is moving ahead with expected completion by January of 2023. The current, first year has involved planning for delivery that would hopefully include both in-person and virtual programming, pending approval by the National Council for Higher Education.

The 99,993,700 Euros ($117.8 million American) grant is targeted specifically to fill gaps through higher education in developing countries like Uganda. The multi-disciplinary approach and collaborative synergy of experts with the DALILA project focuses on transferring of theory and contemporary practical skills and experiences to renewable energy entrepreneurial opportunities for youth.

The six university consortium Euro grant includes an equipment purchase provision that will enable green energy laboratories to be established at UCU, four students (includes one doctoral student doing research related to green business and/or renewable energy technology) to be chosen for one-month European internships and training of facilitators in Europe. In the green labs, students and faculty shall work on traditional and novel solutions for both renewable energy and entrepreneurial ventures.

The ultimate goal is increasing Ugandan capacity to harness renewable energy. Other results include filling a critical skills gap, enhancing capacity as academic staff who are participating collaboratively in the development and delivery of the modules, building a new network for collaboration with global partners, improved collaboration with renewable energy stakeholders, increased applied research in renewable energy, and multidisciplinary links between industry and academia.

At UCU, the early benefit is an interdisciplinary partnership between the faculties in engineering and business. This collaboration includes the creation of new postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Business and Renewable Energy Technologies. The courses leading to this credential will involve on-line learning and practical green lab sessions.

While Uganda relies heavily on renewable energy for supply of her energy needs at a macro level, the same energy remains underexploited at a micro level. The cost of the national hydroelectric power grid is prohibitive to small, medium and starting businesses. To these, the sun, wind and micro system hydro endowments remain virgin territory. The two-faculty collaboration through DALILA is expected to continue building in the areas of research connected to renewable energy to further fill this gap.

For more information, go to www.dalilaproject.eu/

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UCU starts Postgraduate diploma in renewable energies with support from EU

December 15, 2020News#Aaron Mushengyezi, #DALILA, #EU, #green, #John Kitayimbwa, #Martin Lwanga, #renewable energy, #Rome, #Spain, #technology, #UgandaChristianUniversity, business, UCU, UCUPartners, UgandaPatty Huston-Holm

UCU Vice-Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi inspects some of the merchandise produced by students under the Faculty of Business and Administration during the recent launch of the Business Incubation Centre. (Courtesy Photo)

By John Semakula

Uganda Christian University (UCU) will in May 2021 rollout a new post-graduate diploma in Sustainable Business and Renewable Energy.

According to the UCU Faculty of Business and Administration, the course sponsored by DALILA was cleared by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) in August.

DALILA is a capacity-building project funded by the Education, Audio-visual and Culture Executive Agency of the European Union.

DALILA stands for Development, Academic Curricula on Sustainable Africa-Project.

The Associate Dean of the UCU Faculty of Business and Administration, Godfrey Sempungu, revealed that six new courses on “Renewable Technologies and Green Business Creation and Development” have been designed for the new program in line with the sponsorship agreement.

The courses are: Energy and Sustainable Development; Renewable Energy Technologies and Decentralization of Electricity; Energy Efficiency and Storage Application; Business and Financial Models of Renewable Energy; Renewable Energy Financing and Modeling; and Renewable Energy Enterprise Management Support to Business and Enterprise.

Sempungu said the program will offer renewable energy startup and entrepreneurship opportunities to UCU graduate students, alumni, staff, community and other key stakeholders such as those in the Church of Uganda Dioceses of Mukono and Kampala.

The program is a product of a sh5bn (Euro 1,123,790 or $1.3 million American) grant, which the Faculty won recently as part of an international nine-partner consortium.

A similar project is also implemented in four other universities in Uganda and Tanzania. The other three are Uganda Martyrs University, the State University of Zanzibar and University of Dodoma.

Sempungu said the post-graduate diploma will be taught for two semesters and that students will be expected to take classes both online and face-to-face on campus.

He said: “The courses are intended to facilitate students’ transition to work and to promote the use of innovative business technologies. Green university laboratories will provide vocational training for renewable energy and adaptation of technologies to local context plus boosting students employability.”

According to the Faculty, the program will be facilitated by lecturers from UCU and other partner institutions in Spain and Italy and that the best four students will have a chance to travel and conduct their internship in European companies for a month.

The other partner higher education institutions are the University of Cadiz in Spain and Sapienza University of Rome – both providing expertise to inform the project.

According to the terms of the grant, UCU also shall furnish a renewable energy laboratory for training of students in the recent trends in the field and to allow them many hours of practice under the guidance of experts.

To avail stakeholders with the necessary information about the project, the UCU Faculty of Business and Administration, in conjunction with its implementing partner the Faculty of Engineering, held an online DALILA Information Day on December 10.

Speaking during the event, the Faculty’s Dean Dr. Martin Lwanga said the project is helping to fulfill UCU’s mission of sending out job creators – not seekers – to the market.

“This is an exciting time,” he said. “Over 100 proposals were submitted from all over the world and UCU emerged among the winners.”

In his remarks, the deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Dr. John Kitayimbwa, said the program was well thought out because it supports Uganda’s development goals under Vision 2040. The National Vision is intended to transform Uganda from a peasant to a modern and prosperous country within 30 years through strengthening fundamental infrastructure, including energy.

Kitayimbwa noted that the four main components of the program – partnership, practical based education, emphasis on environmental sustainability, and renewable energy – make the program unique and outstanding. “We therefore need to raise more awareness about the program because we need more people on board when we finally roll it out,” he said.

Dr. Miria Anguyo from the UCU Faculty of Engineering said the post-graduate diploma will be able to produce graduates who will provide solutions in renewable energy.

Meanwhile, Prof. Cipri Katiuscia, the project’s international coordinator from Italy, said she was glad to be part of the project that seeks to create employment opportunities for Africa’s young people and particularly in the green economy sector.

“We need to give support to the young people in Africa who support their countries’ young economies,” she said.

Marianna Stori, a member from one of the partner organizations of DALILA, took the members through the dangers of climate change in Africa and globally including flooding, landslides, heat waves, loss of biodiversity and desertification and urged participants to embrace the new measures to contain climate change.

This is one of the grants the UCU Faculty of Business and Administration has won lately in a bid to boost its academic training for students. The Faculty also recently won a sh230m (51,700.4 Eur or $62,611 American) grant to develop a short course in promoting bird tourism. The course will be incorporated in Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism.

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