Uganda – University of Makerere Women & Gender Studies Department
Anita Sanyu Mago-Sempa
Film Editor, Media Productions Specialist and Graduate Student
My study of the CCNA course has been a very enriching experience that has opened up new avenues for me in the IT world. I am grateful that Cisco and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) conceived the idea of bringing this opportunity to the Least Developed Countries, Uganda being one of them.
I am a media productions journalist working in a management position in a media service company. Before, I was simply a user of the computer and internet facility, but now I am able to understand the workings of the system and no longer get mad when it takes a bit longer to get connected to a website. My work involves video shooting, editing, and consultancy. The company is expanding into computer networking, an upcoming area where there is still a gap in such services offered. I found it important to my career to enhance my profession with IT knowledge, which adds to the value of the services that my company can offer to our clients. The Academy Program was my chance to acquire essential skills for participation in global economies.
During the course I learned computer basics, software and hardware, computer devices, basic LAN devices and LAN media. Router configuration and operation was another topic that was quite interesting to me. I found the course comprehensive and quite handy with the online accessibility of course content and quality control assessments. I appreciated the online assessment, which gave immediate results and indication of where I had gone wrong. I found the instructors quite helpful; they were available whenever needed.
During the labs I took advantage of the hands-on learning, which enhanced my practical skills. I enjoyed the way issues were related to everyday events, like the way traffic lights control cars, or like a relay race where one runner has to wait for the baton before proceeding. Another important example for understanding the concept of networks is to compare it to one’s own nervous system and cardiovascular system.
With my newly acquired IT knowledge I hope to make money and save money. As a starting point, I will be able to network my company’s computers. The skills I have acquired also enable me to give advice to my clients on computer specifications. I will also introduce and set up LANs for organizations, companies, and schools. I would like to be able to provide advisory services on MDF locations, wiring closet specifications and to set up an entire network system with security.
I must say, the Internet has the power to change the way we learn, work or play and I believe Cisco is in the forefront of that transformation.