The philanthropic arm of the telecommunications giant Telecel Ghana donated ten desktop computers and eight cutting-edge coding and robotics kits to strengthen Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in the primary and junior high schools in the beneficiary communities.

Collaborating with local NGO, Enos Promise Foundation and STEM kit manufacturer, Mingo Blox for the initiative, Telecel Ghana Foundation said the gesture forms part of their commitment to support schools in under-served communities with educational resources to bridge the digital divide and inspire local youth to embrace technology at a younger stage.

Speaking at the community ceremony to hand over the tech equipment to the schools, Head of Foundation, Sustainability and External Communications at Telecel Ghana, Rita Agyeiwaa Rockson said “We believe in the power of technology and education to transform lives and communities. With these learning equipment, we are equipping young students with the tools they need to thrive in a technology-driven world and bolster their creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving capabilities.”

The durbar was graced by the presence of the queen mother, chiefs from the beneficiary communities, the district director of education and national president of the Ghana National Association of Teachers among other dignitaries.

Receiving the STEM kits on behalf of the communities, Obaahemaa Nana Sasah II in her address, thanked Telecel Ghana Foundation for not forgetting the young pupils in her communities and highlighted the potential of technology to transform their lives.

"This donation is a beacon of hope for our youth and shows that no child should be left behind in education, regardless of their socio-economic background. With these tools, they can acquire the STEM skills needed to compete on a global stage and contribute to the development of our communities, if they embrace and explore these devices to the best of their abilities," she said.

The donated equipment will increase the number of desktops in the schools’ computer labs and establish STEM clubs for coding and robotics in the communities.

Former board chair of Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited (GTCL) and chairman for the ceremony, Dr. Kobina Quansah in his closing remarks said the computers and STEM kits will plant seeds in the children for a future filled with innovation.

“For too long, access to quality education has been unequal and this initiative changes the narrative by ensuring that students in rural areas have the same tools as their urban counterparts. If other organisations can follow suit, we can create a ripple effect of change across Ghana and bridge the digital divide.”

The students assembled and controlled some of the robots and displayed artistic and cultural talent on several themes including technology, truancy and teenage pregnancy throughout the ceremony.