The Media Manager for Foundation and External Affairs at Telecel Foundation, Karen Ahima Bossman-Adotevi, has reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to expanding digital education across Ghana, as she addressed the graduation ceremony of the third cohort of the DigiTech Academy at Kormatse M/A Basic School in the Central Region, where 100 pupils, 80 per cent of them girls, completed training in robotics, coding and digital innovation.
Speaking at the event, Ms Bossman-Adotevi explained that the initiative, which began in 2024, was designed to equip young learners with practical digital skills through a structured 12-week hands-on programme aligned with the Ghana Education Service curriculum.
She said the programme had grown significantly, reaching over 2,100 students across 13 regions, with plans to expand into underserved areas while maintaining follow-up support for previous cohorts to ensure continuity of learning.
“Our approach does not end at graduation. We continue to monitor and support students to ensure that the knowledge acquired is sustained and shared,” she stated.
The ceremony showcased a range of innovative student projects, including a motorised waste bin capable of detecting incoming refuse, a two-way traffic light system, and other digital solutions aimed at addressing community challenges.
Ms Bossman-Adotevi noted that many of the students had initially had little or no exposure to robotics but had, within a short period, transitioned into creators capable of designing practical solutions.
“We are proud to see young people thinking beyond the ordinary. What we are witnessing today are future engineers, scientists and innovators,” she said.
She emphasised that the Foundation remained committed to promoting female participation in technology, describing the high percentage of girls in the programme as a deliberate effort to bridge the gender gap in STEM fields.
According to her, the DigiTech Academy forms part of Telecel Foundation’s broader Connected Learning pillar, which seeks to enhance access to digital education, particularly in communities with limited ICT infrastructure.
She further indicated that the Foundation would continue to scale up the programme nationwide, stressing that “as long as digital learning remains a priority, we will keep expanding to reach more communities.”
Ms Bossman-Adotevi urged the graduating students to build on the foundation laid, encouraging them to “keep asking questions, keep building, and keep solving problems.”
The Executive Director of the Mingo Foundation, facilitators of the Telecel Foundation’s DigiTech Dinah Nortey, underscored the importance of practical, hands-on learning in unlocking the potential of young people.
She explained that although many of the students initially had little or no exposure to technology, the 12-week training programme had significantly transformed their confidence and creativity.
“When we began, many of the children were unsure of themselves because they had never been exposed to robotics or coding. But within a short time, we saw curiosity grow, confidence build, and creativity emerge,” she said.
She noted that the programme demonstrated the power of experiential learning, stressing that with the right exposure, young people could unlock their innate abilities and develop practical solutions to real-life problems.
Ms Nortey explained that the projects were deliberately selected to go beyond theoretical learning and show how technology could be applied to improve everyday life.
“These projects reflect how learning can directly impact communities. The students are not just learning; they are creating solutions,” she added.
She commended the Telecel Foundation for introducing the initiative, noting that it had equipped students with lifelong digital skills and opened pathways into careers in science, technology and engineering.
Ms Nortey further urged the graduates to share the knowledge acquired with their peers, indicating that the equipment used during the training would remain in the school to support continuous learning.
“You have been given a great opportunity. Go back and pass on what you have learnt to others so that more students can benefit,” she advised.
Speaking on behalf of the Mfantsiman Municipal Director of Education, Madam Edwina Donkor, Deputy Director, Supervision and Monitoring urged students and teachers to sustain interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.
She commended Telecel for providing learners with access to digital tools and practical STEM training to help them develop critical skills.
She said the initiative had created a platform for students to “unearth their digital skills” and demonstrate their potential through hands-on learning with modern equipment.
Mad. Donkor praised both teachers and students for their commitment, urging educators to continue guiding learners to become critical thinkers and problem-solvers.
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“Teachers must sustain students’ interest in STEM and encourage them to pursue STEM-related programmes at the senior high school level and beyond,” she said.
She also lauded Telecel for its continued engagement beyond funding, noting that the organisation consistently followed through with its programmes in beneficiary communities.
“You do not only fund programmes but also show up in the schools and communities you serve,” she stated.
The Deputy Director further advised schools to properly maintain the equipment provided under the programme to ensure its long-term benefit to future students.
She encouraged learners to apply and share the knowledge acquired with others in their communities, stressing that their actions should reflect the impact of the training.
“STEM has come to stay, and it is up to us to keep the flame alive in our schools, homes and daily lives,” she added.
She expressed hope that Telecel would expand the initiative to other schools by establishing additional STEM and ICT centres across the country.
Source: Anthony Sasu Ayisadu/ATLFMNEWS
