Samuel Ssendi, an alumnus learnt about the Outbox EDU PREP course through a friend who had attended the same course.
His passion for creating Information and Communications Technology (ICT), solutions with specific interests in programming, coaching, creativity and innovation prompted him to apply for the course which gave him an opportunity to combine his background in leadership and ICT, with an insight to bring about transformational change in his community through programming and innovation.
“The team at outbox was amazing,” says Ssendi, who was assigned a learning mentor, one who motivated him throughout the program, advising him to always think outside the box.
Our classes don’t only bring teammates your way, but these teammates become family.
Working with colleagues who could not express themselves in terms of speech and hearing pressed Ssendi and his team into learning sign language to communicate better with them.
“Being a fully online course during the Covid-19 lockdown, that period will forever have a footprint on our meaning of life,” says Ssendi, who also says that it relayed the importance of relationships, dynamics of education and work.
He adds that it was hard to study virtually and work on very demanding projects without meeting his peers, accessing reliable, fast and affordable internet.
Outbox brought Ssendi to the realization that covid-19 redefined the way of life and only those who adapt to the new normal will survive the aftermath of Covid-19.
These experiences, he says, made him develop self-confidence, become a creative thinker, problem-solver, which are keys for every innovator, he says.
Asked how his view on life and career prospects changed since joining the PREP course, Ssendi realized that Uganda has talented young developers who are capable of coming up with innovative solutions tailored towards the challenges being faced by the country.
“All we need is a chance to acquire skills and put the skill to good use,” he says.
Through the Outbox PREP course, Ssendi has been invited on several platforms to inspire the youth and build capacity, with several organizations engaging him on different assignments.
For the future, Ssendi plans to build capacity in his community, transform lives and empower youths so that they can embrace ICT for development and innovations.
“I believe that the solution to our African problems lies in each of us taking individual responsibility and I want to play my part,” he concludes.
