Telecel Ghana Foundation’s DigiTech Academy Completes Pilot Term in Ho

Telecel Ghana Foundation has successfully completed the first term of its DigiTech Academy at St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Junior High School in Ho, Volta Region. The academy’s pilot term, designed as part of a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) initiative, aimed to provide students with essential digital skills, including web development, Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, and Scratch programming. The programme placed significant emphasis on hands-on learning, enabling students to engage directly with technology and develop practical skills.

The programme ran for two months, with bi-weekly sessions featuring state-of-the-art technology and expert instruction. The results have been promising, and the academy is set to expand to more schools across the country, making digital skills accessible to a wider range of students.

At the closing ceremony, the students proudly displayed their projects, which included innovative creations such as miniature cranes, obstacle-avoiding vehicles, smart home models, and intelligent bins. These projects not only showcased the students’ newfound technical abilities but also challenged conventional thinking, demonstrating the immense potential of young learners. One such student, Emmanuella Adzomah, shared how the DigiTech Academy helped her discover a passion for technology, despite initially aspiring to become a lawyer. Emmanuella developed a website for car rental services as part of her project. She noted that the training had prepared her for a future centered on technology, and now envisions herself as a lawyer specializing in digital solutions. “These bi-weekly skills training sessions have equipped me for a tech-focused future,” Emmanuella said. “I can now pursue a career as a technology-specialized lawyer, as I have developed a love for digital and tech solutions.”

Rita Agyeiwaa Rockson, the Head of Foundation, Sustainability, and External Communications at Telecel Ghana, spoke at the closing ceremony, highlighting the enthusiasm the programme had generated among both students and teachers. She emphasized the importance of starting technology education at a young age, noting that DigiTech Academy is committed to ensuring that Ghana produces its own digital innovators. “This initiative is not just about teaching digital skills; it’s about inspiring students to think critically and use technology to address challenges in their communities,” she said.

The closing event was attended by key stakeholders, including representatives from the National STEM Centre and Ghana Education Service (GES), as well as teachers from the school. Several students were recognized for their outstanding performance in the programme. Teachers observed significant changes in the students, noting that their confidence, creativity, and enthusiasm had improved dramatically. These positive effects were attributed to the interactive and engaging nature of the DigiTech Academy sessions.

Dr. Esther Yeboah-Adzimah, the GES Ho Municipal Director of Education, spoke about the profound impact the programme had on students. “Since the start of the DigiTech Academy, we have seen a substantial improvement in the students’ digital literacy and problem-solving abilities,” she said. “We are excited to see how these students will contribute to the future of technology in the region and the country.”

One of the standout students, John Isaac Tei, a final-year pupil, shared how his exposure to gears and circuits sparked his interest in robotics. John, who dreams of becoming a robotics engineer, demonstrated a miniature crane that he built, which was controlled remotely using light sensors. “This hands-on experience has given me a solid foundation, and I plan to continue building robots that solve real-world problems,” he said.

The DigiTech Academy is an important step toward bridging the digital divide and embedding STEM education in Ghana’s schools. Through this initiative, Telecel Ghana aims to equip students with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in a technology-driven world. With plans to expand the programme to more schools in the future, Telecel Ghana hopes to ensure that more young people have access to quality digital skills training, empowering them to become innovators and problem solvers in their communities.