The refurbishment and furnishing of the ICT lab, spearheaded by employees from the Finance, Digital Transformation and Commercial Operations functions, was partly funded by Telecel Ghana Foundation and internal crowdfunding efforts, demonstrating the power of collective action in driving community development.

The ICT lab, now fitted with 30 modern computers, internet connectivity, and furniture, will serve as a valuable resource and enhance the digital literacy of over 1,700 students in the Anfoega Traditional Area. The facility, under the direct oversight responsibility of a management committee, will be open after school hours for use by young people from the 13 communities under the traditional area.

The handing-over ceremony was attended by the paramount chief, leaders from the communities, local education officials, teachers, parents and pupils in the area.

Speaking at the ceremony on the school premises, Paramount Chief of Anfoega Traditional Area, Togbe Tepre Hodo said he was grateful to the telco for the new ICT lab and charged young people to make maximum use of the digital space.

“I will urge the students to focus on technology since it is what dictates the pace of life these days. I encourage students to take learning ICT skills seriously,” Togbe Hodo said. “Additionally, this digital facility is not only for the school but every student and young person in this community. So, everyone is welcome to make good use of it.”

The Telecel Ghana Foundation, which oversees Red Hearts, was involved in ensuring the completion of the project. Rita Agyeiwaa Rockson, Head of the Foundation, Sustainability and External Relations emphasised the wider impact of the employee volunteering programme at the event.

“Our Red Hearts programme is a true reflection of the impact of collaboration and social responsibility in community building. This project is a shining example of making a tangible, positive impact on the community. This lab will open doors to new opportunities, expand your horizons, and empower you to become active participants in the digital economy in the future.”

The renovated ICT lab will bridge the digital divide and advance digital education in the community, which aligns with Telecel Ghana Foundation’s Connected Learning initiative; to increase access to technology and expand digital literacy to underserved communities across the country.

An ICT teacher at the school, Justice Norley, believes the new ICT lab will make learning easier and faster for the students as well as increase their performance in their final entrance exams for admission to senior high schools. “This lab will help increase their knowledge on technology and positively reflect in their academic performance since they can now have practical sessions and not just theory,” Mr. Norley said.

As the students of Anfoega Akukome E.P. Primary School embark on their digital education journey, the impact of Telecel Ghana’s Red Hearts Programme is already being felt among the population.

For Roberta Afare, the new lab represents an exciting chapter in her learning of ICT. “This new lab will help us know more about ICT through constant practice, help us know how to type and expose us to future careers in IT.”