By Prince Acquah
Abura Dunkwa (C/R), May 14, GNA – The Ghana Science Association at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has called for the establishment and resourcing of district STEM and technology resource centres to bridge the digital divide and improve access to science and technology education in deprived communities.
According to the Association, the resource centres would provide opportunities for teachers and pupils to periodically access STEM equipment, digital tools, and practical learning materials, particularly in schools that lacked the infrastructure to support modern technology-based education.
Dr Benjamin Abaogye, the President of the UCC Branch of the Association, stressed that the resource centres could serve as hubs for continuous teacher training and hands-on learning activities.
He was speaking to the Ghana News Agency on the sidelines of a STEM workshop organised for teachers in the Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese District as part of ongoing efforts by the Association to equip teachers with 21st-century pedagogical skills and practical approaches to teaching Science.
Participants highlighted the challenges many schools faced in accessing electricity, laptops and other digital learning tools needed for effective science education.
Dr Aboagye emphasised that the rapid technological advancement and the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) required teachers to incorporate digital tools into classroom instruction to make science education more interactive and effective.
He observed, however, that many schools in rural and underserved communities remained constrained by inadequate infrastructure and limited access to technological devices, making it difficult for both teachers and students to fully participate in digital and STEM education initiatives.
He therefore appealed to the Ghana Education Service, non-governmental organisations, development partners, and corporate bodies to support districts with equipment and logistics to establish and sustain the centres.
He was of the belief that expanding access to STEM education was critical to preparing the youth for national development and future technological opportunities.
“We are appealing to NGOs, donors and other organisations to support schools and districts with gadgets and training opportunities to ensure that children in deprived communities are not left behind in STEM and technology education,” Dr Aboagye stressed.
GNA
Edited by Alice Tettey/Linda Asante Agyei
Reporter: Prince Acquah
E-mail: [email protected]