Kampala – Wednesday 4th December, 2024
The Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU) proudly announces the official launch of the organisation’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Program, under the theme, “Connecting Hearts, Empowering Minds: Internet Access for All“. Dedicated to fostering digital inclusion, the program focuses on providing reliable and affordable Internet connectivity to schools across Uganda, with a special emphasis on bridging the digital divide in schools for children with special needs. The initiative aims to ensure equitable access to digital resources and opportunities for all.
Under this initiative, RENU will support all special needs schools in Uganda with free Internet connectivity, thereby empowering their students with better tools to access knowledge, and facilitate teaching and learning. This will enhance inclusivity in driving transformative digital learning opportunities.
The inaugural rollout took place at Busega Community School for the Deaf and Blind on Friday, November 29, 2024, during the school’s Speech Day, in which RENU participated and offered to support the school with free Internet access for as long as it will be needed. This first step is part of a larger commitment to expand free Internet support to all special needs schools within Uganda.
This pronouncement was made by Ms. Caroline Tuhwezeine Kumwesiga, the Head of Communications at RENU, who represented the RENU CEO, Nicholas Mbonimpa at the event. “We plan to support all schools for children with special needs with a free Internet connection at their campuses, and I am glad to announce that Busega Community School for the Deaf and Blind will be the first beneficiary. Effective December 1, 2024, the school will not be required to pay for the Internet we are providing,” said Caroline Tuhwezeine.
Speaking at the event, the school’s Director, Pastor Raphael Kajjubi, was highly appreciative of RENU’s gesture, which he said was God-sent and timely. “We have been constructing a better hall for the children, which has taken a toll on us, making it difficult for us to meet adequate Internet needs for the school. RENU’s intervention has indeed been timely and will go a long way to ease learning and school operations,” said Pastor Raphael Kajjubi. He further expressed hope for the future, adding, “With an improved Internet connection, the only concern now is ensuring that institutions out there can utilize the children’s impeccable talent whenever they graduate. Disability can happen to anyone at any moment, and my hope is that we can all be a voice and advocate for individuals with special needs.”
Through the “Connecting Hearts, Empowering Minds: Internet Access for All” initiative, RENU is focused on creating pathways to knowledge and digital inclusion, especially for institutions serving some of Uganda’s most deserving students. The initiative emphasizes that no child, regardless of abilities, should be left behind in today’s digital world. By connecting these schools, RENU hopes to inspire lifelong learning and provide students with the tools they need to thrive.
During her remarks, Ms. Caroline Tuhwezeine Kumwesiga commended the school for its dedication to transforming lives. “The work you are doing with these children is incredible. In a world of capitalism where everyone is busy minding their business, you have challenged and taught us that there is always something extra one can do for another person to make a difference in their lives. Schools like Busega Community School for the Deaf and Blind, with their unwavering dedication to these children, have inspired us to join the cause and support this noble mission.”
The CSR program underscores RENU’s unwavering commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive digital environment for all students across Uganda in line with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4—ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education, and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all, an effort that seeks to empower students and educators alike. By providing lasting access to digital resources, RENU is not only bridging the digital divide but is also enabling individuals to thrive in an increasingly connected world, contributing to a more equitable and sustainable future.
Additionally, the launch of the program follows RENU’s recent achievements, including the prestigious Corporate Governance Award from the Institute of Corporate Governance of Uganda (ICGU), which recognized RENU’s dedication to responsible leadership and positive social impact. RENU’s past successes, such as the widely celebrated eduroam awareness campaigns and roll-out of services for the research and education community, underscore the organisation’s leadership in fostering Internet connectivity and inclusivity.
As RENU expands services to Uganda’s special needs schools, the organisation gratefully acknowledges the support of the RENU Board of Directors and strategic partners, who share in this vision of a digitally inclusive Uganda.
This ongoing initiative will enable these institutions to connect more deeply with resources, networks, and educational opportunities, bringing together educators, partners, and the community. RENU remains committed to building a digitally inclusive future across Uganda.
