Students learning to enhance their computing skills
The Loozeele Resource Center has provided a fully equipped Information Communication Technology (ICT) laboratory to bridge the digital divide by aiding student learning and empowering youth with critical digital skills to thrive in an increasingly technologically driven world.
The laboratory, officially commissioned on January 17, 2024, will serve as a permanent hub for students and youth in Bolga Sherigu and neighboring communities, where learning and innovation come alive.
During the launch, the program commenced with welcome and opening remarks by the master of ceremonies, followed by remarks from the chairman. The audience was then treated to a captivating cultural dance performance by Sherigu Junior High School.
The keynote speech, delivered by Rebecca Awuah, a mathematician at Ashesi University, highlighted the pivotal role of technology in education. This was reinforced by a thought-provoking short play on the impact of technology and the Loozeele Resource Centre’s intervention.
The pièce de résistance was the lab presentation and ribbon-cutting ceremony, officially opening the doors to the ultra-modern lab. Equipped with 40 laptops, an overhead projector, and a Public Address system, the lab testifies to the centre’s commitment to providing a world-class learning environment. The lab’s design is equally impressive, featuring a spacious foyer that serves as a reception area, a washroom, an office for staff, and the main lab itself.
A representative from Loozeele acknowledged the partners who have supported the centre’s mission, highlighting the importance of collaboration in driving positive change. The Managing Director, Teni Agana, delivered closing remarks, emphasizing the centre’s dedication to empowering education through technology. The event concluded with a refreshing networking session, where guests and beneficiaries mingled and shared their experiences.
The goal of this new phase is to bring students and youth into the resource centre, where they can benefit from structured, interactive lessons in a state-of-the-art environment. The journey began with a grassroots approach, knocking on doors and engaging directly with the community. The team encouraged young people to join weekend classes tailored to their needs.
These sessions, designed to equip participants with modern technological and entrepreneurial skills, drew an impressive turnout of 60-80 youth every weekend. With growing momentum, the next step was to extend the program to schools. Partnering with nine basic schools, including Loozeele Excellence Academy, Azanlonge, Apassinaba, Sherigu, Dorongo, Sokabisi, St. Peter and Paul, Baseongo Basic School, and Grace Life Plus Academy, the team brought dynamic, hands-on computing and ICT lessons directly to the students.
Initially, the plan was to host the students at the resource centre, but as the lab wasn’t ready, the mobile ICT lab went to them instead. Weekdays were spent traveling between schools, delivering a curriculum adapted to the Ghana Education Service (GES) standards. The commitment to inclusivity led to further expansion. Twenty-five additional schools in the Talensi District were added, despite the logistical challenges posed by the distance. The team often rented accommodations for the week, ensuring that no student missed out on the opportunity to develop essential computing skills.
Each student was given access to a computer, making lessons practical and engaging. With guidance from ICT teachers, students worked through topics that required hands-on application, such as typing, saving files, and navigating the internet, enhancing digital literacy and boosting confidence in technology use.
The Loozeele Resource Center aims to engage all schools in the Upper East and the Northern belt in the coming years.