100 Teachers benefits from Computer and Digital Literacy

One Hundred Teachers in the Ashanti Region are currently receiving training in Computer and Digital Literacy as part of the Girls-In-ICT training.

It is the flagship program under the The Ministry of Communications and Digitalization (MoCD). The program is an initiative of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) aimed at encouraging young girls to take up career courses in ICT.

The first phase of the initiative, which is the training of trainers started from 21st – 25th 0ctober, 2024 at the Kumasi Mancel Senior High School.

It is organized in collaboration with the Kofi Annan Center of Excellence in ICT (KACE) and the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC).

The Programmes Officer at Policy, Planning, Budget, Monitoring & Evaluation (PPBME) Mr. Isaac Newton, who delivered a speech at the launch on behalf of the Sector Minister, Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful said that the initiative was a testament to her commitment to empowering young women through ICT to become leaders, innovators, and trailblazers in the digital age.

Mr. Isaac Newton indicated that this year’s celebration aims to empower 1000 girls in the Ashanti Region with ICT skills and the teachers role as a trainer was pivotal, “as you will impart technical knowledge, inspire confidence, instil resilience, and nurture ambition in our girls”.

“As such, this Trainer of Trainers Workshop is a critical mission to equip you, our teacher, and trainers with the tools, resources, and guidance necessary to mentor and support our young girls effectively. Together, we will explore innovative teaching methodologies, best practices in ICT education, and strategies for fostering an inclusive learning environment where every girl feels valued, encouraged, and empowered to pursue her dreams”, she stated.

According to him, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) announced the establishment of an international “Girls in ICT Day”, on 8 April 2011,and which was to be held every year to celebrate the first annual international Girls in ICT Day. The Day celebrates girls’ interests and strengths and encourages them to choose a career in information and communication technologies (ICTs).

She added that ITU actively encouraged its Member States and Sector Members, including Ghana, to get involved and organise local, regional, and national events designed to showcase ICT and technology careers to young female students.

She noted that through the ITU’s initiative in 2011, over 377,000 girls and young women have participated in more than 11,400 International Girls in ICT Day celebrations in 175 countries.

The Administrator of Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), Mrs. Eva Andoh Poku, gave words of encouragement for the teachers and that it was important to take the training with all the seriousness and it complete the workshop successfully.

She also engaged the teachers on the mandate and activities of GIFEC and well as its role in the Girls-In-ICT Programme and digital initiatives that aimed at bridging the gender digital divide.

The Ashanti Regional Director of Education, Dr. William Kwame Amankra Appiah, commended the ministry for spearheading the initiative which was a collective effort to bridge the gender gap in technology, empower young girls, and promote digital literacy across the nation.

“You, as ICT educators, will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of these young girls. By training these young girls, we are not just preparing them for jobs but unlocking their potential to become future leaders, entrepreneurs, and change makers”, he said.

The Programmes Director at the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT (KACE), Madam Priscilla Hope, introduced the facilitators and urged the teachers to not shy from asking questions

Also at the launch were officials from Ministry, representatives from Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council and others.