Telecel Ghana Foundation has expanded its flagship digital skills programme to train 500 pupils across five additional regions, deepening efforts to bridge the technology gap in basic education.
The fourth cohort of the DigiTech Academy, launched at the start of the third academic term, will run a 12-week after-school programme aimed at equipping upper primary and junior high school pupils with practical skills in robotics, coding and web application development.
The initiative, which forms part of the Foundation’s Connected Learning programme, is being rolled out in Yendi in the Northern Region, Sawla in the Savannah Region, Nalerigu in the North East Region, Effiakuma in the Western Region and Enchi in the Western North Region.
Officials say the programme combines classroom learning with hands-on experience, allowing pupils to develop functional digital solutions to address challenges within their communities by the end of the training period.
Head of Foundation, Sustainability and External Communications at Telecel Ghana, Rita Agyeiwaa Rockson, said the expansion reflects a commitment to making digital education accessible to all children regardless of their location.
“We believe every child, regardless of where they live, deserves the opportunity to understand the digital world and the skills needed to build innovative tech-driven solutions. With every new cohort, we are building a pipeline of digital talent and strengthening the role of teachers in sustaining this knowledge,” she said.
Ahead of the student sessions, teachers from participating schools have undergone specialised training delivered by implementing partners Mingo Foundation and Asustem Robotics, a move designed to ensure continuity and long-term impact within beneficiary schools.
In the Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipality, local authorities have welcomed the programme, with Member of Parliament for the area, Philip Fiifi Buckman, urging beneficiaries to take advantage of the opportunity.
“I encourage all the students selected for the training to focus on making the most of this opportunity. It will help you solve problems and understand digital skills, beyond social media, to build solutions for our community and nation,” he said.
The DigiTech Academy is implemented in partnership with the Ghana Education Service and the Ghana STEM Centre, aligning with national efforts to strengthen digital literacy and science education.
Since its pilot phase involving 50 students in Ho Dome in the Volta Region, the initiative has grown significantly, reaching more than 2,000 learners nationwide. Organisers say up to 70 per cent of participants are girls, reflecting a deliberate strategy to close the gender gap in STEM education.
Previous cohorts have produced a range of innovative student-led projects, including smart irrigation systems, firefighting robots, assistive devices for the visually impaired, basic e-commerce platforms and flood detection systems.
The latest group of trainees is expected to present their final projects at a showcase in July, where solutions developed during the programme will be evaluated for their practical relevance and potential impact.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh