By Godfred Osei | IT/Organizational Lead
As we embark on another exciting academic year, we are thrilled to welcome all students back to school and launch our After-School IT and Soft Skills program. The program is designed to inspire, challenge, and empower young minds by equipping them with hands-on IT skills and developing essential soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
Program Overview
Over the next 10 months, we will be providing weekly training to 150 students, with approximately 75% of them being girls. This significant representation of girls in the program is thanks to the generous donations we have received, which have encouraged and enabled more girls to join the free training sessions. Our goal is to continue fostering an inclusive environment where all students can thrive in the digital world.
Challenges and Solutions
One of the primary challenges we face is the high student-to-computer ratio. Currently, 3-5 students are sharing one computer, which limits the amount of hands-on time each student gets. While the students are highly motivated, this constraint affects their ability to practice and develop their skills efficiently. To address this, we have repaired broken ports on the displays and power banks, which has helped us extend the life of our existing devices. However, reducing the ratio further remains a priority as we aim to provide each student with more individual access to the technology.
Week 1 Highlights
Our first lesson focused on developing typing skills. For many students, this was their first time using a mouse and keyboard, making the session both exciting and challenging. We introduced a Typing Tutor program and organized a typing challenge, which made the learning process engaging and fun for the students. The enthusiasm displayed during the lesson was encouraging, and many students showed great potential.
Current Curriculum
In addition to typing, we have started introducing students to LibreOffice, a suite of applications that allows them to create documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. We encourage students to work in teams, present their work, and brainstorm ideas for projects. This collaborative approach not only strengthens their technical skills but also hones their creativity, communication, and critical thinking abilities.
Looking Ahead
We are confident that the skills students acquire through this program will be invaluable in preparing them for the future job market. By developing both technical and soft skills, we aim to provide them with a strong foundation that will open doors to new opportunities.
Thank you for your continued support in making this program a success.
Warm regards
Grow Ghana Team
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