Karamoja’s First Computer Club for Children Opens in Moroto

In a small classroom tucked behind a school in Moroto District, something quietly remarkable is beginning to take shape.

The initiative, established by SHANITA, an organisation known for supporting vulnerable children in Karamoja, is the region’s first computer literacy programme for children—introducing pupils to typing, document creation, and essential digital skills.

It’s not a high-tech facility. The club runs once a week, every Saturday afternoon, with a few secondhand laptops and one instructor.

For now, it serves pupils from Primary Five and above, though there are hopes to include younger learners as the programme grows. What it lacks in scale, it makes up for in purpose.

Karamoja has long been excluded from Uganda’s digital education landscape. Most schools in the region still lack computers, and even experienced teachers often have no familiarity with using digital tools in the classroom.

Among the club’s early success stories are Nakoru and Amodoi, two girls from the remote Tepeth tribe, who joined SHANITA’s programme unable to speak English.

After three years of schooling and extracurricular support, they are now among the most enthusiastic participants—confidently typing letters and saving their work using proper formatting tools.

Lior Sperandeo, Founder and CEO of SHANITA, emphasized the wider impact of the initiative:

“Karamoja isn’t behind—it’s on the rise. These children have the ability. They just needed the opportunity. This computer club may be small, but it’s a spark. And if we keep fueling it, it can light the way for so many more.”

Teachers have also begun engaging with the programme, with some expressing admiration—and even envy—at the rapid digital progress of their students.

The initiative was made possible through support from Anna Cheniuntai and the STEM Access Foundation, who provided laptops and technical assistance to launch the club.

SHANITA plans to expand the model to additional districts and fully integrate computer literacy into its broader education strategy—ensuring more children across Karamoja gain access to the digital tools they need to thrive.

“In today’s world, knowing how to use a computer is no longer a luxury, it’s a lifeline. This small club may be the first of its kind in Karamoja, but it’s giving children the tools to compete, to connect, and to dream beyond the limits they’ve known.” Lior states

Karamoja has long been excluded from Uganda’s digital education landscape as most schools in the region still lack computers, and even experienced teachers often have no familiarity with using digital tools in the classroom.