27th April. 2017- Vodafone Uganda, is set to enhance the e-learning space for university students in Uganda with the launch of the JUMP Academy, a new and first of its kind addition on the JUMP portal.
JUMP the unique online content platform was launched on 10th Feb 2017; with categories in Education, Entrepreneurship, Self-improvement, and Lifestyle. As part of the education category the JUMP Academy provides students with free and unlimited access to a wide range of educational materials, tailored to the Uganda University curriculum.
“In an increasingly digitized Africa, astonishing opportunities emerge when young people connect. These ambitious young and driven crops of innovators are unstoppable. Matched with our aspiration to empower young people, we have continued to deliver our creativity through digitised education. We are cognisant that education is the key to the successful transformation and development of any country; and Vodafone is proud to take the lead in this digital learning space through the launch of the JUMP Academy”, said John Ndego, Chief Executive Officer- Vodafone Uganda.
The JUMP Academy comprises a series of recorded lecture videos that cut across various subjects based on the Uganda university curriculum. The 15 minutes videos will show topical tutorials by different lecturers and will be uploaded regularly. Some of the pioneering and partner lecturers on the Academy include Mr. Nicholas Ndahura – Faculty of Human Nutrition and Home Economics, Kyambogo University University; and Ms. Prever Mukasa – Faculty of Communication, African Bible University, and Ruth Tile – Faculty of Humanities, Victoria University. The program kicks off with topics on Human Nutrition, Communication and Marketing & Advertising.
Mr. Timothy Ssejoba, Principal Education Officer, Higher Education-Ministry of Education, applauded Vodafone for the initiative. He noted that it is platform for global interaction where the ability for students to connect with one another and the rest of the world becomes real and easy, especially for the Higher Education segment.
Cynthia Ayeza, the JUMP editor for Education category expressed optimism of the Academy saying, “the conversational-style tutorials which move away from the typical lecture-hall style, will fuse theory and practice in one, which is an opportunity for wholesome learning. I encourage young people to take advantage of this opportunity because it will give them the opportunity to access beneficial information at the tip of their fingers. It also means that those who are financially unable to afford formal education at institutions of higher learning will be able to learn at a minimal initial cost (buying a simcard and MiFi), and thereafter at no cost to them if they are subscribed with Vodafone. Furthermore, anyone that is interested in learning beyond their own field of study will be able to expand their knowledge base by having access to a variety of subject-specific videos, by simply logging onto www.jump.ug”.
The host at the press launch and Vice Chancellor of Victoria University, Mr. Joseph Nyakana, welcomed and commended the Academy as an evolution of education relevant for the times. Makerere University; Uganda Christian University; Makerere Business School and Word of Life University were all represented.
