By Juliet Aguiar DUGBARTEY, Tarkwa
Ninety-three students from two primary schools in Tarkwa have completed a digital skills initiative led by the Telecel Ghana Foundation in collaboration with the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation (GFGF).
The three-month program provided students from Brahabebom and New Atuabo Basic Schools with practical expertise in programming, web development, coding, and robotics—skills essential for success in the 21st-century digital landscape.
The program, known as the Telecel DigiTech Academy, is an effort aimed at closing the gender disparity in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education.
Jacquelyn Makumator-Jones, a Foundation and Sustainability Specialist at Telecel Ghana, stated that the academy seeks to enable young individuals to develop into technology creators and inventors instead of just users.
"When the Telecel Ghana Foundation introduced the DigiTech Academy as a small pilot in Ho ten months ago, our goal was straightforward – to remove obstacles to digital skills, spark enthusiasm for technology, and prepare young people to address real challenges in their communities," she stated.
She mentioned that the program is already having a substantial effect, as students from various groups are creating creative solutions to local issues, such as smart waste bins to address unsanitary conditions, automated railway gates to enhance transportation safety, smart glasses to assist people with visual impairments, and water monitoring systems to avoid flooding.
"One of the program's major achievements is its capacity to close the gender gap in STEM education. In all our groups, 70 percent of our students are girls, demonstrating that when we create equal opportunities, our young women can excel and take leadership roles in science and technology," she said.
She encouraged the graduates to leverage their education, aim for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and keep developing innovations to enhance their neighborhoods.
Abdel Razak Yakubu, the Executive Secretary of the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, highlighted in a speech delivered on his behalf the initiative's importance in promoting creativity, invention, and critical thinking among young students, especially those in underprivileged areas.
He pointed out that the program is an element of Gold Fields' overall dedication to supporting communities via education and skill development.
"To this point, the foundation has allocated approximately US$15 million to educational initiatives, such as graduate education, apprenticeship programs, training in operating heavy machinery, welding and manufacturing courses, and both home and industrial electrical programs," he disclosed.
He also emphasized initiatives aimed at boosting literacy through collaboration with the Canadian Organization for Development through Education (CODE), focusing on improving reading and understanding in 37 public schools located in Tarkwa and Damang.
"In line with its efforts to promote digital skills, the foundation has recently established a 54-seat smart laboratory in New Atuabo, catering to students from Grade 5 up to Junior High School. Two educators have received training in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence to assist in the teaching process," he added.
Mr. Yakubu mentioned that the Telecel DigiTech Academy strongly supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through promoting accessible education and enhancing technological skills for young people in Ghana.
Madam Catherine Biney, the Education Director of Tarkwa Municipal, also delivered a message on her behalf, praising the two foundations for their forward-thinking partnership, which has provided students with crucial digital abilities.
"The globe is changing quickly, fueled by digital technology and progress. In order to stay ahead and be meaningful, we need to provide our young students with the understanding and abilities to succeed in the digital era," she stated.
"What you have acquired here goes beyond information – it is a means of change. Continue to create and discover," she encouraged the graduates.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).