Today is Cosmas Okumu’s first day for a training in electronics at Oysters & Pearls-Uganda’s Makerspace.

A Physics teacher at Negri College in Gulu, Cosmas says he gets thrilled when he makes anything electronic.

“I made an inverter as part of my research at Kyambogo University last year. My supervisor looked at me with respect. I felt good. Today, the feeling is back,” he said.

Today Cosmas assembled a circuit, and the sweet memory of winning came back.

But now, it is not all about the excitement that comes with invention. Cosmas wants to make good use of the makerspace, to craft his retirement job.

“The training is preparing me for old age,” he said.

“When I retire, I will open a shop where I will repair electronics, and earn a decent income,” he added.

Only today, he was able to assemble a circuit; the achievement made his hope soar. Cosmos is ready to learn more in a few months.

Cosmas’ plan for a retirement job is a wise idea, considering that many on retirement in Uganda face challenges acquiring their most basic needs. Although the government introduced the Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment program in 2012, each beneficiary gets only 25.000 shillings (about US $8) each month, and many consider the amount inadequate to cater for a basic item.

Consequently, the benefiting elderly in some parts of the country have requested government to increase the stipend.

As many wait to be handed stipends by the government at old age, Cosmas says it is better one plans for their own retirement package, when they still can.

Helping Ambitious Students in Robotics

During robotics trainings at his school, Cosmas feels helpless when he sees Oysters & Pearls – Uganda staff handling many students determined to learn, one on one.

“Many students want to join the science club, but one person can’t train them all. We have decided that only those who participated in last year’s robotics challenge should be in the group, but this is frustrating other students, and killing their dream career,” he stated.

Cosmas’ intention is to learn the basics of robotics and hands-on electronics from Oysters &Pearls- Uganda makerspace, and be able to train the excess students who can’t be accommodated in the science club at school.

Victor Paul Kawagga, a technology consultant at Oysters & Pearls-Uganda, says Cosmas is a dedicated teacher, who bonds well with his students.

“Training in electronics will give him the ability to be able to give his students practical skills with up-to-date tools,” Victor said.