About Us

Who we are

About Village Tech Initiative

Village Tech Initiative (VTI) is a nonprofit organization committed to bridging the digital divide in rural Uganda. We equip young people and teachers with the skills and confidence to use technology as a tool for learning, innovation, and opportunity. By bringing digital literacy and coding education into underserved schools, we’re nurturing a generation ready to shape Uganda’s digital future.

Our work goes beyond training we aim to build lasting change in schools and communities. Through teacher mentorship, community partnerships, and access to practical technology tools, we help create environments where digital learning can continue to grow and inspire new possibilities long after our programs end.

Mission

To empower students and teachers in rural Uganda with digital literacy, coding, and technology skills unlocking opportunities for education, innovation, and future careers.

Our Vision

A digitally empowered Uganda where every learner has the skills, confidence, and access to thrive in the global digital economy.

Our Story

Village Tech Initiative (VTI) began as Youth for Reconciliation and Leadership, a community-led effort to help young people drive change in their communities. In 2020, we rebranded to Village Tech Initiative to reflect our growing focus on technology and digital education. Since then, we’ve partnered with schools, educators, and global organizations to deliver hands-on digital literacy and coding programs to thousands of students across Uganda.

From our early work with Africa Code Week (supported by Google) to our ongoing teacher empowerment and IT bootcamp programs, VTI continues to transform classrooms into pathways for innovation and opportunity.

Our Journey

From Local Initiative to National Impact

Our story began with a simple vision to help young people in Uganda become changemakers in their communities. What started as a small grassroots effort has grown into a national initiative that is shaping the future of digital education.

2016–2019

Laying the Foundation

We launched as Youth for Reconciliation and Leadership (YRL) — a community-based program focused on empowering youth through leadership and reconciliation training.
During this time, we joined Africa Code Week, an initiative funded by Google and SAP, helping hundreds of high school students discover coding for the first time.

2020

Rebirth as Village Tech Initiative

Recognizing the growing importance of digital skills, we rebranded to Village Tech Initiative (VTI).
This marked a new phase: shifting our focus toward digital literacy, technology education, and innovation as tools for empowerment in rural communities.

2021–2023

Building Capacity in Schools

We expanded our reach by partnering with schools to integrate computer training into the classroom.
Through our Teacher Empowerment Program, we trained dozens of educators to sustain digital learning ensuring the skills we teach live on in every school we serve.

2024 and Beyond

Scaling for Impact

Today, VTI continues to evolve expanding its IT Bootcamps, building community computer labs, and developing new digital curricula tailored to Uganda’s rural schools.
Our goal is clear: to see every learner and teacher in Uganda equipped with the tools to thrive in a digital future.

Students trained in digital literacy and programming

0 +

Teachers empowered to teach and sustain digital skills programs

0 +

Partner Schools across rural Uganda integrating digital education

0 +

Years of continuous community-based digital education initiatives

0 +

IT Bootcamps completed helping youth transition into tech careers

Core Values

At the heart of Village Tech Initiative are the principles that guide everything we do. Our values reflect our belief in people, technology, and the power of education to create lasting change. They shape how we work with communities, partners, and one another as we build a more inclusive digital future for Uganda.

Empowerment

We believe in equipping students and teachers with the tools, confidence, and knowledge to shape their own futures through technology.

Innovation

We encourage creative problem-solving and hands-on learning, using technology to inspire new ways of thinking and building solutions for tomorrow.

Inclusion

We are committed to reaching underserved schools and communities, ensuring that every learner; regardless of background has access to digital opportunities.

Collaboration

We partner with schools, local educators, and global organizations to create sustainable programs that make technology accessible and meaningful.

Sustainability

Our approach focuses on long-term impact training teachers, building capacity, and creating systems that keep digital learning alive well beyond our presence.

Integrity

We act with honesty and accountability, building trust with our partners, schools, and communities through ethical and transparent work.

Our Approach

We believe that true impact comes from empowering local educators and students. Our programs combine practical skills, mentorship, and sustainability, ensuring that schools continue offering digital learning long after our training sessions end. By focusing on hands-on technology education, we’re helping rural Uganda move from digital access to digital innovation.