Female students pursuing the Higher Education Access Certificate (HEAC) at Bishop Stuart University have received laptops from the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) to strengthen their ICT skills and digital learning capacity.
The beneficiaries are part of a group of young women enrolled in the HEAC bridging programme, which enables students who do not meet direct university entry requirements to qualify for degree programmes after completing the one-year course.
According to FAWE, the laptops will help the students access digital learning materials, conduct research, complete assignments, and develop practical ICT skills needed for success in higher education and the modern job market.
The initiative aligns with the Government of Uganda’s Women in ICT agenda, which seeks to increase the participation of women and girls in technology-related fields.
It also supports Uganda’s broader national digital transformation strategy, which aims to equip young people with digital skills necessary for the evolving digital economy.
Education advocates say providing female students with technological tools is critical in bridging the gender digital divide, particularly for students from underserved communities.
The laptop distribution comes as FAWE continues to invite applications for its scholarship and bursary programme for the 2026/2027 academic year, implemented in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.
For the 2026/2027 intake, FAWE is offering 600 bursaries, including:
400 bursaries for the HEAC programme, which prepares students for entry into STEM degree programmes at partner universities.
200 bursaries for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes in science and technology fields.
Students supported under the HEAC programme who successfully complete the bridging year are later sponsored to pursue full undergraduate degree programmes at selected partner universities across the country.
Empowering the Next Generation
FAWE officials say initiatives such as providing laptops and scholarships are designed to empower young women with education, digital literacy, and leadership skills.
By strengthening access to higher education and technology, the programme aims to ensure that more young women are equipped to participate in Uganda’s digital and knowledge-driven economy while contributing to national development.
