By Erica Apeatua Addo,
Akyempim (W/R), April 12, GNA – To bridge the digital gap and equip pupils with essential Information Technology (IT) skills, GASO Petroleum Limited, has donated desktop computers, laptops and accessories, projectors and pen drives to two Basic Schools in the Tarkwa Nsuaem municipality.
The beneficiary institutions are Adieyie Municipal Assembly Basic School and New Tokunaso Basic School.
Speaking at the presentation, Mr Isaac Asante, the Managing Director of GASO Petroleum Limited, said as partners of AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine, and as part of their community engagement and social responsibility initiatives, they decided to support the communities they worked in.
He said GASO operates in Obuasi, Tarkwa, Damang and other mining communities in Ghana, and they were committed to ensuring that their host communities benefit from their operations.
Mr Asante said: “We chose ICT because of the critical role it plays in the development of children, particularly in today’s digital age. We expect our pupils to have a strong foundation in computer skills by the time they enter the university, so it opens more career opportunities for them.”
In addition, he announced that the company would adopt the ICT department of the two schools and provide more assistance to ensure that they were fully equipped.
The Managing Director said: “This donation is just the beginning. We are pleading with the team from Iduapriem Mine to identify areas where the schools needed further help. For instance, if it’s internet connectivity, we will work on it to ensure both schools benefited more from the ICT equipment”
Mr Asante revealed that only 40 per cent of basic schools have access to ICT, saying, “We believe that corporate bodies should support government to develop the country’s ICT sector.”
Mr Stephen Adjei, Senior Manager-Sustainability, observed that the ICT equipment donated would enhance the learning experience and equip pupils with the skills to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
He urged all contractors to emulate the example set by GASO and explore ways to support their host communities, adding, “by working together and contributing to our communities, we can drive a meaningful change and create a better future for all.”
Mr Adjei thanked the donors for their generosity and commitment to empower communities, saying, “let us continue to work together to drive positive change through sustainable partnership.”
Mrs Catherine Andoh-Mensah, Municipal Director of Education, explained that computers provided access to information, develop basic skills, improve upon communication and enhance teaching and learning.
“This time ICT teaching will not be an abstract thing because pupils can now see, touch, and play with gadgets. This will make learning enjoyable and effective,” she said.
Mrs Andoh-Mensah said this initiative would not only provide access to various learning tools but also foster a collaborative environment to enable pupils to develop essential skills in research, reading and studying.
She noted that although the donated items should be kept in good condition, the pupils should be given the chance to experiment and learn with proper supervision.
GNA
JP/BM