By Prince Acquah
Cape Coast, July 30, GNA – The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), in collaboration with the Korean University Council for Social Service (KUCSS), has handed over a fully equipped Information and Communication Technology (ICT) laboratory to Wesley Girls Basic School in Cape Coast to enhance digital education.
The project, undertaken through KOICA’s mid-term volunteer programme, transformed an unused room in the school into a modern ICT learning centre fitted with 13 computers, a projector and other accessories. The facility is expected to provide pupils with practical training in basic computer operations and digital literacy.
Prior to the intervention, teachers and pupils faced challenges in the teaching and learning of ICT due to the absence of a functional laboratory. The new facility is expected to create a conducive environment for learning and help the school meet contemporary educational standards.
As part of the programme, Korean volunteers under the banner of Team Wiadze organised ICT lessons, interactive learning sessions and cultural exchange activities. The pupils were introduced to aspects of Korean culture, including music, dance and language.
Speaking at the handing-over ceremony, Ms Choi Minkyoung, Leader of Team Wiadze, said the project was inspired by the absence of a functional ICT laboratory despite ICT being an integral component of the school curriculum.
“We wanted to create a place where pupils can learn, explore and enjoy using technology.
“We hope this centre will open many new opportunities for the children and help prepare them for the future,” she said.
Ms Choi noted that the initiative went beyond the donation of computers, stressing that it also sought to build the confidence and capacity of teachers and pupils to integrate technology into teaching and learning.
Madam Margaret Akosua Evans, Headmistress of Wesley Girls Basic School, described the facility as the fulfilment of a long-held dream to establish a befitting ICT centre for the school.
She said digital skills had become indispensable in the modern world and expressed confidence that the project would help nurture digitally competent and innovative learners. She thanked KOICA, KUCSS and all stakeholders for supporting the initiative.
Mr Patrick Biney Amissah, Central Regional ICT Director of the Ghana Education Service, observed that inadequate ICT resources remained a major challenge in many schools across the country, affecting students’ performance.
He described the project as a significant boost to teaching and learning at Wesley Girls Basic School and urged pupils to make effective use of the opportunity.
“Let this be an advantage for you because it is not every school that has been privileged to enjoy an ICT lab.
“By the time you leave this school, make sure you have benefitted from it immensely,” he advised, adding that the facility came with a responsibility which required the school to maintain them properly to serve more generation of pupils.
Mr Amos Yeboah, a representative of the Metro Director of Education, said the project marked a milestone in promoting quality education, highlighting the role of technology in teaching, learning, communication and innovation.
“This facility will enhance ICT learning and expose learners to the new world of technology and enable them to compete worldwide,” he said.
Madam Gifty Nortey, representing the Regional Manager of Methodist Schools, entreated the school to make maximum use of the computers, noting that they would monitor closely to ensure proper use of the facility.
The school presented certificates to the volunteers in recognition of their dedication and contributions to its development during their period of service.
GNA
Edited by Alice Tettey/Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporter: Prince Acquah
E-mail : [email protected]