Telecel Ghana Foundation trains 500 pupils in digital skills

Telecel Ghana Foundation has launched the fourth cohort of its DigiTech Academy. It will train 500 pupils in advanced digital skills. The initiative extends its reach to five new regions in Ghana.

This after-school program focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. It offers hands-on training in robotics, coding, and web application development. The 12-week programme aims to equip students with skills to build digital solutions for community challenges.

The DigiTech Academy is part of Telecel Ghana Foundation’s Connected Learning initiative. This aligns with national efforts to boost digital literacy. It complements classroom learning and supports the Ghana Education Service curriculum. The programme aims to build a pipeline of digital talent in Ghana.

Rita Agyeiwaa Rockson, Head of Foundation, Sustainability and External Communications at Telecel Ghana, stated, “We believe every child, regardless of where they live, deserves the opportunity to understand the digital world.” She added that the academy is building a pipeline of digital talent. Teachers also receive training to sustain knowledge within schools.

The new cohort will operate in Yendi (Northern Region), Sawla (Savannah Region), Nalerigu (North East Region), Effiakuma (Western Region), and Enchi (Western North Region). Telecel Ghana Foundation partners with Mingo Foundation and Asustem Robotics. They deliver the training and ensure teachers are equipped to continue guidance.

In the Effia-Kwesimintsim municipality, local leaders showed strong support. Philip Fiifi Buckman, Member of Parliament, visited a beneficiary school. He encouraged students to seize the opportunity to learn digital skills. Gloria Biney-Gontor, District Director of Education, also welcomed the programme. Their presence signals government backing for digital education initiatives.

Since its pilot phase with 50 students, the DigiTech Academy has now impacted over 2,000 learners. The programme prioritizes inclusion, with up to 70 per cent of beneficiaries being female. This addresses gender disparities in STEM fields. Previous projects include smart irrigation systems and firefighting robots.

Graduates from Cohort 4 will showcase their capstone projects in July. These projects are designed to solve real problems within their communities. This signifies the practical application of skills learned. The expansion to five new regions demonstrates the programme's growing impact.