Teaming up with local organization, Young at Heart Ghana, the Akaa Project hosted a six day ICT (Information, Communication & Technology) Summer Camp. The program, based at the Asiafo Amanfro Community School, taught students basic computer skills and how to use ICT as a tool for English, Science and Mathematics.
Children from rural areas rarely get the educational resources needed, particularly with technology. Many ICT classes are taught from books with only a focus on theory. With the Akaa Project’s new library, equipped with solar power, we were able to host the Young at Heart team to bring theory into practice.
Each day, students participated in hands-on, practical lessons and activities organized by Young at Heart Ghana volunteers. This included keyboard and mouse skills, Paint, and general computer knowledge. Teachers were trained in ICT content, creating inviting learning spaces and how to motivate children in respect to ICT.
And students from the neighboring Junior High School (JHS) were also invited for a special ICT session. These students were able to receive the needed hands-on computer experience and ICT lessons before their Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). About his experience, Benjamin, a student in Form 3 at Akpamu, said “After the practical lessons with you, I’ve realized that ICT is not that difficult. Practical lessons are good.”
And the results show. With a baseline taken at the beginning of the program and students again tested at the program conclusion, 69.4% of students recorded increased test scores. And in grades 5 and 6, 100% of students in grades 5 and 6 showed improved ICT knowledge.
“This program is a great example of what we hope to bring in programming with our new community library and learning center – bringing active and relevant learning into this rural setting and creating meaningful collaborations with local groups,” said Lauren Grimanis, Founder of the Akaa Project. “We are so proud to have Young at Heart Ghana as a partner, and be able to engage young, committed Ghanaians to spreading opportunity.”
We look forward to our continued partnership with Young at Heart GH!
A very special thank you to the volunteers who dedicated a week to mentoring, teaching and empowering our students. These volunteers came from across Ghana and the following schools: Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), University of Ghana, University of Cape Coast, All Nations University, Koforidua Polytechnic, Technology University College (GTUC) and Ghana Institute of Journalism
Thank you to the following volunteers
Benjamin Varle Semah
Edem Korku Ghanney
Asamoah Francis Boafo
Gabriel Tetteh
Rita Awitty Mawupemor
Samuel Obeng Appah
Mary Seiwah Afram
Katherine Ewura Ekua Essien
Amanfo Kwesi Hayford
Sarah Adom Yawson
Nana Kofi A. Acheampong
Fred Kwadwo Aazore
Bertha Fosua Ansu
Bernice Laryea
Aseye Dzokoto
Judith Foli
Sheila Bandon
Bernard Ayim
Young at Heart GH National Team
Josephine Marie Godwyll
Martin Bruce
Amanda Agyeiwah
Winifred Nyaaba
Baba Awuni Salifu Jnr
Victor Aryetey
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