By Raymond Rex Awiagah
The Initiative
The Rotary Club of Accra East has commissioned a state-of-the-art ICT Laboratory for pupils of Suhum M/A Experimental ‘C’ Primary and Junior High School.
This new facility has 30 modern computer workstations to improve the digital literacy and technological skills of the students.
The Background story
Authorities of the Suhum M/A Experimental ‘C’ Primary and Junior High School were worried about how to keep up with STEAM education, which is becoming the new norm. This is because access to ICT education was a major challenge confronting the pupils, which, authorities say, was a barrier to effective academic work.
The Rotary Club Factor
To help remedy the situation, the Rotary Club of Accra East under one of Rotary’s focus areas, “basic education and literacy” has pooled resources to refurbish a 30-seater ICT Laboratory for the school.
Commissioning the project
The Rotary Club of Accra East members, school officials, students, and local dignitaries were at the inauguration ceremony. The ICT Laboratory is part of the club’s ongoing efforts to support education and bridge the digital divide in under-resourced communities.
Point of View by the Rotary Club of Accra East
The President of the Rotary Club of Accra East, Rotarian President Oga Serge emphasized the importance of digital education in today’s world.
“We came in on board for this project when the PTA realized that they needed support to furnish the lab, and interns with computers and furniture, we came in not knowing how to mobilize the resources but since it was a worthy cause, coming and supporting education in Ghana you know Rotarians are solution finders. So step by step we have been able to mobilize our resources, mobilize our members, and mobilize the Rotary community and today we can see it has become a reality” He said.
The Reaction by Suhum M/A Experimental ‘C Authorities
The headmaster of Suhum M/A Experimental ‘C’, Mr Paul Asumaku was grateful for the generous initiative. He said It will significantly improve the learning experience for the pupils and open up new opportunities for them.
He added “Artificial intelligence and intelligence automation are now ruling around the world. Human thinking and decision making have been taken over by machines, so if our learners are left behind in ICT production, then the question is what will be the future of our innocent learners in the face of advancement of world technology”
Point of view from the Municipal Educational Unit
The Suhum Municipal Director of Education, Mrs. Angelina Osei-Owusu said the ICT Laboratory will provide the students with the needed tools to excel in their studies and prepare for a future where digital skills are essential.
“It is imperative to realize that the integration of information and communication technology, into education, is not merely about the latest gadgets or software but it is unlocking boundless opportunities for learning, innovation, and collaboration” She said.
Lauding the Rotary Club of Accra East
Various speakers lauded the Rotary Club of Accra East for the initiative. One major concern, however, was the lack of maintenance culture in the country. They cautioned the school’s management to put the facility to good use and ensure proper maintenance.
Conclusion
This initiative is part of Rotary International’s broader mission to promote education and literacy worldwide. Rotary Club of Accra East says it will continue to come up with initiatives to impact many more students in the years to come positively.