Microsoft, USAID boost management of Uganda's education system

Speaking at the signing of the MoU in Kampala last week, Steven Browning, American Ambassador to Uganda, said this partnership, will allow the ministry to collect, manage and communicate the data needed by educational decision-makers to plan and administer the education system more efficiently and effectively.

“New technologies will enhance the efforts to improve collection, recording documentation and access to educational information,” said Namirembe Bitamazire, Minister of Education and Sports. She added that, capacity building programmes supported by and based on the new technologies will provide motivation for innovative reforms in service delivery.

In addition to education management, the alliance will provide ICT training to education administrators and staff. Programs include both advanced information technology skills and certification training for system administrators and ICT curriculum and classroom training for educators. Ambassador Browning said USAID is committing $2 million to fund the project.

To complement the EMIS, Microsoft is also expected to set up and manage “Live@edu” email accounts for students and teachers. The initiative will provide the beneficiaries with access to online education resources, including tools to help parents engage and participate in their children's education system.