Huawei Technologies Ghana has launched the first all-girls edition of its global flagship Corporate Social Responsibility Programme ‘Seeds for the Future’, in collaboration with the Ghana Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation at a virtual event in Accra, Ghana.
The programme aimed at developing local skilled ICT talents, enhancing knowledge-transfer, promoting greater understanding of the telecommunications sector and bridging the communication gap between countries, and will benefit 60 ladies across various universities in Ghana during the 2021 edition – which is under the theme ‘Inspiring Global Talent to Shape the Future’.
Speaking at the virtual launch ceremony, Deputy Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ama Pomaa Boateng said: “This is a very good time for Ladies in ICT… and Huawei dedicating their Seeds for the Future Program to the Ministry’s Girls in ICT initiative is a step in the right direction. The ministry will not relent in our efforts to continue empowering women in the STEM ecosystem, as we continue to prove through our activities. The ministry is very keen on digitalisation, and we believe one of the surest ways to accelerate the process of propelling Ghana into a digital economy is through ICT skill training and capacity building. It is therefore important that we nurture young ICT Talents to give our great nation a more formidable future while remaining competitive on the global market,” she added.
She also advised the participating ladies to remain focused during the programme while representing Ghana as Ambassadors. “My advice to you is to go all out and grasp every bit of this opportunity by fully immersing yourselves in the experience and training as well as taking part in all the activities… You are not only doing this for yourselves but representing Ghana. As ambassadors, I implore you to let the Black Star of Ghana shine ever brighter through your commitment, dedication and, above all, hard work during this programme”.
The Deputy Minister finally commended ICT giant Huawei for its contribution to the sector in Ghana. “I commend Huawei for all their contributions toward the development of ICT in Ghana. As the strategic ICT partner of government, we are happy to see you go beyond commercial activities to nurture ICT talents in Ghana… I therefore urge you to undertake more of such worthy causes to accompany Ghana in our Digital Transformation Drive,” she said.
On his part, the Managing Director for Huawei Ghana, Mr. Tommy Zhou, remarked on the importance of bridging the gender gap in technology. He said, “The barriers to women accessing and having careers in the tech industry must be broken down. This needs to start at the grassroots level, through education and training, giving girls and young women the opportunities and skills to enter the tech world.
“At Huawei, we believe that technology innovation can be led by women, and technology in its end can empower women. Huawei’s female employees have been playing a unique role and making important contributions to the company. Many of them have distinguished themselves and become outstanding leaders,” he added.
The Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. LU Kun, in a short speech commended Huawei for their Social Contributions aimed at bridging the digital divide; and also commended the government of Ghana’s efforts in creating an enabling and business-friendly environment for Chinese companies like Huawei to thrive.
This year’s Seeds for the Future Programme comprises an intensive 8-day virtual training scheduled for October 25, 2021 to November 4, 2021 – which will introduce students to latest course like 5G, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud, Big Data, IOT, Smart City, Cybersecurity while building their leadership capacity in courses like Strategic leadership and Sustainability and Business Leadership.
As part of this year’s programme, beneficiaries will be grouped to embark on a ‘Tech4Good’ project, after being equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge in the study of new technologies to develop solutions for societal and environmental problems.
Beneficiaries will also get an opportunity to experience the rich Chinese culture, which includes a live interactive visit to the Great Wall and other historic sites. An ICT mentorship session will also be organised wherein female industry experts in the STEM field will be invited to share their experiences with beneficiaries.
After the programme, awards will be given to the Best Tech4Good Project group, Top-10 excellent Students, Best Group members and outstanding students among others.
So far, 110 students have benefitted from Huawei’s Seeds for the Future programme in Ghana. This year’s programme is dedicated to ladies only and will benefit 60 ladies – bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 170. This year, 3,500 global talents are expected to take part in the programme from around 120 countries and regions.
