CSquared, a leading technology company, committed to a digitally connected Africa, has joined hands with the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, the Institute of ICT Professionals, Ghana (IIPGH) and the Electronic Money Issuers (EMIs) Chamber of Ghana to organize coding training for some selected schools in the South Tongu District in the Volta Region of Ghana.
The program, which came off on June 28, 2024, featured activities designed to introduce 236 pupils, from upper primary to junior high school levels, and 50 of their teachers to the basics of coding and animations using the Scratch application software, 3D designs using Tinkertoys, and an introduction to IoT through hands-on experience with Arduino kits to build a traffic-light system.
In an interview with the media on the sidelines of the event, Stephen Gefli, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer of CSquared, emphasized the company's commitment to giving back to society through their C-Serve project, which focuses on societal upliftment. “We are proud to support the Coding Caravan initiative and collaborate with the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and IIPGH to ensure its success. Our goal is to extend our support to more communities, enabling students to develop essential digital skills,” Gefli stated.
Dr. Ken Ashigbey, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and the EMIs Chamber of Ghana, highlighted the critical need for ICT centres in districts and villages to provide continuous practice opportunities for students. “A one-day awareness programme is not sufficient to achieve our objectives. Establishing ICT facilities will enable pupils to practice regularly and develop their skills effectively,” he noted.
David Gowu, Executive Director of IIPGH, expressed his excitement about the initiative, stating: “This year, the Coding Caravan is back on the road, and we are thrilled to be a part of it. We aim to expand and enhance this programme by bringing more partners on board and increasing our impact. Our ultimate objective is to establish coding clubs in schools, enabling students to participate in coding competitions, foster innovation, and create solutions that benefit our country and Africa as a whole.”
Gowu also mentioned that resources and funding are limiting factors for the programme’s growth, but they are focusing on raising awareness through a comprehensive roadshow called Accra-to-Paga that will navigate major towns, cities, and villages across the country, culminating in the northernmost region. Additionally, training sessions for teachers who have access to government-supplied computers and school labs are planned to equip educators with the necessary skills and knowledge to integrate coding into their teaching practices.
CSquared’s sponsorship of the Coding Caravan is a testament to their dedication to fostering digital skills and innovation among young people in Ghana, ensuring that students can benefit from continuous support and development in the ever-evolving technological landscape.
The event, which was hosted at the Comboni Technical Vocational Institute School and graced by the traditional leaders of the town, ended with the presentation of a brand new laptop to the school with the most active students during the days sessions, Sogakope D/A Basic School.
Source: Chamber News Desk
