In today’s rapidly evolving world, technology is reshaping how we learn, communicate, and solve problems. Its significance in education cannot be overstated, as it opens new avenues for students to access information, collaborate with peers, and prepare for future careers in an increasingly digital economy.
However, many pupils in underserved areas, such as rural communities, often lack the exposure and resources to take advantage of these technological advancements. Recognizing this gap, the Rotary Club of Accra-SpeakMasters, in collaboration with the Rotary Clubs of Weija-West and Winneba, initiated the TECH EXPERIENCE PROJECT in Agona Abodom, a community in the Agona West Municipality of Ghana’s Central Region, as part of their commitment to community development and education. This project was in partnership with Afrilogic Solutions Limited, an advanced solutions provider and consulting firm.
The primary aim of the project was to introduce basic school pupils to the fundamentals of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and to inspire them to explore the limitless opportunities that technology offers. Through hands-on sessions and interactive demonstrations, the pupils were not only educated on the basics of ICT but also shown how technology can help them pursue their personal interests, whether in science, arts, entrepreneurship, or other fields.
The initiative emphasized the importance of digital literacy in today’s world, aiming to empower these young learners to dream beyond the limitations of their current environment and to imagine a future where technology could be a tool for both personal and communal development. The pupils, comprising 25 participants each from the Catholic, Presbyterian, Anglican and Methodist basic schools, were introduced to DRONE FLYING, 3D printing, programming, robotics, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).
The Tech Experience Project in Agona Abodom is part of Rotary’s broader goal of promoting community and economic development in the month of October. The project further covers another aspect of Rotary’s 7 areas of focus which is basic education and literacy. By bridging the digital divide and fostering a tech-savvy generation, initiatives like this ensure that no child is left behind in the digital age. This project not only provided practical skills but also planted seeds of curiosity and ambition in the minds of the pupils, showing them that technology can be their gateway to endless possibilities.
Rotarian President, Dzifa Sogbe-Adranyi, expressed her delight at seeing the joy on the pupils’ faces and their eagerness to learn. She further remarked, ‘it would be wonderful to hear that some of these pupils go on to pursue computer engineering at higher educational institutions.’ Rotarian Nana Nyarkoa Abronoma I, Nkosuo Hemaa of Agona Abodom, was equally excited and hopeful, stating that ‘an intervention like this project can go a long way, and perhaps one day we may have an astronaut or an airline captain from Agona Abodom.’
Rotarian Sam Quadjie, the Service Project director of the club, was impressed by the practical knowledge of technology shared during the project and believed the pupils would return to their schools and share what they had learned. He expressed hope that this project becomes an annual initiative for the club. Immediate Past President Debbie Mangortey noted that the tech project has transformed the minds of the pupils, enabling them to express themselves and demonstrate their understanding of the activities.
The chiefs of Agona Abodom expressed great satisfaction with the project in their community. Ebusuapanin Yaw Otoo noted that the town faces a significant technology gap, making it difficult for pupils to access technology. Despite this, he acknowledged that the project is an excellent initiative that will help students practically understand what they are taught in school. Teachers from the local schools who were present also commended the club for bringing the project to their community. Many were excited to see, for the first time, some of the gadgets and equipment they discuss in the classroom.
They further expressed their willingness to participate in a workshop, should one be organized by the Rotary Club of Accra-SpeakMasters and Afrilogic Solutions Limited, to better equip them with the knowledge and experience to teach their students effectively using these technological tools.
The Afrilogic team, headed by Mr. Samuel Adranyi, emphasized that partnering with the Rotary club of Accra-SpeakMasters on this project aligns with the firm’s mission of bringing technology to rural communities, an initiative they call ‘Tech-on-Wheels.’ He further indicated that ‘we want to make projects like this regular and find more funding for the teachers to be a part of the project. If the teachers themselves are not exposed, they would not have the innovative concept or ideas to impart to the pupils.’ He hoped that this tech experience will linger in their minds so that in the near future, the pupils can build on this experience for a better future.
Prince Kofi Mensah, a pupil from Abodom Presbyterian Basic School, shared his experience, expressing that he particularly enjoyed the drone flying and Virtual Reality (VR) classes. He aspires to become a doctor and hopes to one day use drones to deliver blood to those in need, in and around his community. Ishmael Amoah, a pupil from Abodom Catholic Basic School expressed interests in becoming a software engineer in the future. He took interests in the programming and robotics classes.
The Rotary Club of Accra-SpeakMasters continues to walk the talk, this time, imparting this generation of pupils with relevant knowledge in ICT and support their growth and academic achievements. Such impactful projects aim to supports career-oriented studies related to economic and community development, further enhancing the capacity for sustainable growth.
A special thank you to our sponsors, Bassofa Regenerative, Yomi, Don Simon and Logic Hub, and to our media partners TV Africa and Angel TV, we are extremely grateful for your support.
Lastly, the success of this project was made possible by the kind curtsy of Afrilogic Solutions Limited
