In an inspiring initiative to shape the future of Uganda’s youth, Jonard Development Foundation (JDF), in partnership with Jonard Astronext, reached out to more than 400 students at St. Edwards Secondary School, Bukumi, a historic religious-based institution in the Bunyoro sub-region, Western Uganda.
The event focused on mentorship, career guidance, and technological innovation.
The day-long engagement brought together Senior 4, 5, and 6 students in a vibrant interaction with Eng. Asiimwe Jonard, founder of JDF and the visionary behind Jonard Conglomerate Investment Ltd.
His message was clear: Science and mathematics are the keys to unlocking tomorrow.
“Mathematics is not revised—it is practiced,” he told the attentive students. “Use your free time to calculate numbers, and never miss a class. That’s the secret to mastering sciences.”
This hands-on mentorship was complemented by a captivating display of innovation from Jonard Astronext, a subsidiary of the Jonard Conglomerate.
Students witnessed live demonstrations of emerging technologies, including:
- A prototype of Uganda’s first conceptual satellite, the JONBALST 1
- A robotic traffic light system
- A smart door automation system powered by AI
These groundbreaking prototypes not only sparked curiosity but also ignited a movement. Inspired by the possibilities, students at Bukumi launched their very own Space Club, with enthusiastic registrations following immediately after the event.
Eng. Jonard emphasized the significance of aligning education with the rapidly evolving global landscape:
“It’s encouraging to see the government shift the curriculum. The world is moving towards robotics, AI, and big data. Sooner or later, cash may phase out—digital money is becoming the future.”
This vision of a tech-savvy, future-ready generation was echoed by Mr. Kato, head of the mentorship program, who confirmed plans to scale the initiative across the Bunyoro region and beyond.
“Today’s education system is under pressure from complex value chains and industrial trends. Our aim is to demystify these and help students make informed decisions for their futures.”
A highlight of the event was the generous donation of UGX 500,000 each to Senior 4 and Senior 6 students by Eng. Jonard, on behalf of JDF, as a contribution towards their educational study tours. He wished them safe journeys and successful learning experiences.
The event left a lasting impression not just on students, but also on the school administration. The School Bursar, visibly moved, shared:
“We’ve heard about JDF’s outreach in other districts, and it has always been my prayer that our school would one day be included. Today, that prayer has been answered.”
One student captured the spirit of the day perfectly:
“We now know what to do, how to do it, and where to begin. We’ve been empowered. A lot is on the way—by God’s grace.”
About Jonard Development Foundation
JDF is a Uganda-based NGO committed to the socio-economic transformation of communities through education, innovation, and empowerment. In partnership with technology firms like Jonard Astronext, JDF seeks to mentor the next generation of leaders and innovators across the nation.
