Tech group invests in future IT innovators

Workforce management technology company CM has funded a project at Uganda’s Clarke International University (formerly IHSU), supporting the growth of the country’s software industry eco system.

With practical help from Youth With A Mission (YWAM), CM, part of HAS Technology Group, has enabled the ReFactory project to be launched and the ongoing partnership, now majority funded by the Norwegian Government, also involves industry partners in Uganda.

Building on the last four years’ experience of building IT capacity in Uganda, the nine month ReFactory courses provide an intensive introduction to software development which enable students to work on industry based software projects.

The courses have been designed to bridge the gap between employers and university graduates and equip students with workplace skills, encouraging them to become the leaders of the future.

The course content is delivered on the ground by a small team from the university together with local industry partners, but supplemented with volunteer speakers from around the globe, including the CM team, who share specialist ICT and  leadership skills and offer support remotely.

The YWAM team have been instrumental in the project’s success and continue to provide local governance and experienced teaching faculty to ensure the CM investment provides young Ugandans with the opportunity to be part of a technology solution in their nation.

In the last four years, over 100 students have participated on the course and achieved success in gaining employment. The recently expanded ReFactory programme will enable over 100 students each year to be able to participate.

YWAM would be unable to undertake this work without the practical and financial support from a number of partners. A spokesman said: “We would like to express special thanks to CM’s founder, Peter Longman, and all the employees at CM for their ongoing commitment to technology projects in Uganda.  None of this would have been possible without their generosity.”   

HAS Technology Group innovation director, Mark Thomas added: “We recognise the importance of technology and how the future workforce need to be prepared for the continually growing digital business world. We are so pleased to hear that the project has been well received by students in Uganda.”

HAS Technology Group offers a variety of services, including CM, PAMMS and ARMED, which provide holistic prevention, commissioning and a delivery package of solutions. The group is leading the way with an innovative approach to social care technology solutions to ensure ongoing improvements in delivery and quality of care.