Information and Communication Technology (ICT) education continues to be a dysfunctional academic activity in most rural areas in Ghana.
However, in the remote corners of the Upper East Region, basic pupils from grades 1 to 6 continue to grapple with the fundamental challenge of differentiating between a computer and a television.
The lack of proper Information and Communication Technology (ICT) education in these areas has been a persistent issue, hindering the academic performance of young students.
Nevertheless, a glimmer of hope has emerged as ICT teachers in the Nabdam District, one of the most underprivileged areas in the region, have received training to better equip these pupils.
The training was organised by the non-profit organisation Collaboration for IT and Communication Excellence, in conjunction with local partners, Metro Edge Technologies.
As part of the initiative, five laptops were donated to one of the deprived public schools, Nabdam Girls Model School.
Mr. Bruce Crowley, the founder of Collaboration for IT and Communication Excellence, shared his motivation behind the project.
According to him, the initiative was driven by the desire to support IT literacy skills in rural and deprived areas across the country.
He emphasised that his organisation has recognized the widening digital divide and the importance of ICT education in the 21st century and is committed to making a difference in the lives of these young students.
The NorthBridge ICT Initiative, a local IT consulting firm, spearheaded this crucial training.
Albert Naa, the Executive Director of NorthBridge ICT Initiative, underscored the firm’s commitment to building the capacity of ICT teachers in the region.
The training program covered various aspects of ICT education, including computer hardware and software, basic coding, and internet usage. It also focused on equipping teachers with the pedagogical skills needed to engage young learners effectively.
By emphasising a practical and hands-on approach, the training aimed to bridge the digital divide and enhance the overall learning experience for students.
The donation of five laptops to Nabdam Girls Model School marked a significant step in providing the necessary tools for these students to gain practical ICT experience.
These laptops complement a similar donation of ten laptops to the same school by Collaboration for IT and Communication Excellence some time ago. They are expected to serve as valuable resources for both students and teachers in their quest to enhance ICT literacy.
The impact of this initiative is already being felt in the Nabdam District, said Cynthia Kapoti, the Headmistress of Nabdam Girls Model School. She added that the ability to distinguish between a computer and a television would no longer be an issue, as these young minds are now on a path to acquiring essential digital skills that will serve them in the future.
Appreciating the initiative, Mr. Daniel Ayamga, a representative of the Nabdam District Education Directorate, explained that the efforts of Collaboration for IT and Communication Excellence, its local partners Metro Edge Technologies, along with the dedication of NorthBridge ICT Initiative, serve as a shining example of how public-private partnerships and non-profit organisations can make a significant difference in the lives of disadvantaged pupils. He added that they hope that the project will not only uplift the Nabdam District but also inspire similar initiatives across the region to ensure that “no child is left behind in the digital age.”
The founder, who was represented by one of the board members, Mr. Abdul Manan, indicated that the journey toward digital inclusion in the Upper East Region of Ghana has begun, and it is a path paved with opportunity and promise for the future.
Also, Collaboration for IT and Communication Excellence has clusters of schools in the Upper West Region and will soon replicate similar training.
Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Moses Apiah|Ghana
