In an era where technology increasingly shapes education and communication, many students in underserved areas remain without access to these advancements. Recognizing this gap, the Rotary Club of Accra-SpeakMasters, in collaboration with the Rotary Clubs of Weija-West and Winneba, launched the Tech Experience Project in Agona Abodom, located in Ghana’s Agona West Municipality.
With Afrilogic Solutions Limited as a partner, this project brought technology and digital learning directly to students, aiming to bridge the divide and foster new opportunities in technology education for youth in rural areas.
The Tech Experience Project was specifically designed to introduce basic school pupils to the fundamentals of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Through engaging sessions, students explored concepts in drone piloting, 3D printing, programming, robotics, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR).
The initiative not only aimed to impart technical knowledge but also to inspire students to think beyond their immediate surroundings, highlighting how technology could support both personal interests and community development.
Rotary’s commitment to promoting community and economic growth, especially in underserved areas, was evident through the project. October, a month dedicated to community development within the Rotary Club, served as a fitting backdrop for the Tech Experience Project’s launch.
By enhancing digital literacy among young learners, the initiative aligned with Rotary’s focus on basic education and literacy, empowering students to dream beyond the limitations of their environment and equipping them for a technology-driven future.
Rotarian President Dzifa Sogbe-Adranyi expressed her excitement over the students’ engagement, saying, “It would be wonderful to hear that some of these pupils go on to pursue computer engineering.” Fellow Rotarian Nana Nyarkoa Abronoma I, the Nkosuo Hemaa of Agona Abodom, also shared her enthusiasm, adding, “An intervention like this could lead to a future astronaut or airline captain from Agona Abodom.” These sentiments were echoed by the community, with many leaders, including Ebusuapanin Yaw Otoo, appreciating the opportunity for students to gain practical exposure to technology in a community where access to digital tools remains limited.
For the students, the experience was transformative. Prince Kofi Mensah, a pupil from Abodom Presbyterian Basic School, expressed his newfound enthusiasm for drone flying and VR, noting his dream to one day use drones to deliver medical supplies within his community.
Ishmael Amoah from Abodom Catholic Basic School found inspiration in programming and robotics, envisioning a future career as a software engineer. Such testimonies underscore the project’s success in fostering curiosity and ambition, providing these young learners with a glimpse of their potential in the world of technology.
The Afrilogic Solutions team, led by Mr. Samuel Adranyi, emphasized that the initiative was part of their larger ‘Tech-on-Wheels’ programme, which brings tech training to rural communities.
RP Dzifa Sogbe-Adranyi expressed a desire to expand the programme, potentially offering workshops for teachers to enable them to carry forward what students have learned. By empowering educators with tech skills, the Rotary Clubs and Afrilogic Solutions hope to make technology education a lasting part of these students’ learning journeys.
