The television used to be the window to the world a few years ago, but today, the computer is the window of opportunities. At the turn of this decade, everyone was forced to go virtual. Now we have remote working, remote learning and even remote gaming. Digital skills are undoubtedly some of the most relevant sets of skills anyone, especially a young prospective person, needs to have to brighten their opportunities in the future.

Enough with the philosophy, I am here to tell you about Peter.

Ssenyonga Mark Peter is one of the five Action in Africa (AIA) scholarship students who recently graduated from high school and were selected as the recipients of the Action in Africa University scholarship. As they wait for university admission in August, the students are undertaking an internship at the Action in Africa Centre in Nakuwadde. During the recent Holiday Program, Peter volunteered to assist the AIA Support and Training Coordinator in facilitating free computer classes for primary and secondary school students at the AIA Centre.

How did you end up co-facilitating the Computer Classes at AIA?

When the AIA Support and Training Coordinator asked us (interns) if any one of us was interested in co-facilitating the computer classes for primary and secondary school students, I volunteered immediately. He had previously given us a simple computer test and I had scored highly, so when he came and asked, although I was nervous, I was very excited to demonstrate and share my computer skills with others so I gave it a shot.

How did it feel assisting in the computer class?

My first session was with the primary students. I truly loved it. I wish I had more sessions with those kids. They were very enthusiastic because, at that level in school, unlike the secondary students, they do not study computers at all. Their feedback was amazing too, every time I didn't facilitate the class, they would ask, “Where is Uncle Peter?” I even got some handmade thank you notes that they made from the crafts classes. My younger sister was also in the classes, and she would always brag to her friends that their computer teacher was her big brother. I loved facilitating those classes.

How did you learn about computers?

I love to learn. Most of the things I know, I didn't learn from school, I taught them to myself. Since I was young, I have always asked people for their phones and played around with them, and every time I would get access to a computer I would practice and explore more and more. Yes, I have been learning computer education at school, but because of limited facilities, I couldn't have enough practice. Computer education at school is largely theoretical. But luckily over time, I developed a wealth of knowledge about computers on my own which came in handy in school for my computer classes and tests.

What is your dream, Peter?

I enjoy being creative, and that is why I have applied to study architectural engineering or computer science. I want to contribute to the industrialization of my country by creating innovations that will power my community. Ever since I received a laptop as an intern, I have been training myself and doing a lot of practice for the fields that I want to study at the university. I am very grateful to Action in Africa for bringing me this far and taking me even further, they have facilitated my creativity and I am glad I got the chance to share that with other students in Nakuwadde.

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