Hands-on computer classes for 1,800 Ghana children

The seven new laptop computers bought with your support have given over 100 Ghanaian children new confidence and hope as they sit for their Basic Education Certificate Examinations (BECE), which determine entry to secondary school.

Each week, Volta Regional Library in Ho Municipality travels to six junior high schools in a van equipped with solar-charged laptops to give children hands on experience of computers and the internet. During 31 school visits reaching 308 children over the past three months, the library paid special attention to children facing the BECE this month (June).

“We hope to come out with good grades during the exams.  I can now match my friends who go to private schools in Ho, who are more endowed,” said Kafui.

“I have learnt so much during the Library’s ICT classes since last year, because we had a lot of practice on the computers brought to the school. When more computers are added to the current number I hope the next generation of students will perform wonders,” said Bridget.

Both children study at Klefe Achatime MA Junior High School, where 105 children (42 boys and 63 girls) take part in the library’s mobile computer classes. Lessons include basic computer and keyboard practice, Word and Excel, and internet skills. Over the last month, librarians organized exam preparedness tests for BECE students, rewarding good performance prizes like pencils, pens and notebooks.

“We thank God for the lives of all those who donated to the cause of our project through the GlobalGiving platform.  You have not only donated the money that bought more computers for the project, but have made the library more visible and transformed the lives of our learners. We are forever grateful,” said Mr Alikem Tamakloe, Regional Librarian.

Links:

• EIFL (Electronic Information for Libraries) home page.

Thanks to your donations, poor children in Ho Municipality in Volta Region, Ghana, have seven brand new laptop computers to practice on, and a printer to print out study notes to take home.

Volta Regional Library used funds raised to buy the equipment for their mobile training programme. Now the library has a total of 12 laptops to take to schools, reducing the number of pupils per computer in crowded classes to seven, and giving many more children the opportunity to learn practical keyboard, mouse and computing skills.

Pupils must pass Information and Communication Technology (ICT) exams to progress from basic school to senior school. Zantor, aged 16, was one lucky graduate:

‘The ICT classes organized for us by the Mobile Library Service contributed so much to my success.  I recommend that they acquire more computers so that our juniors can get more practice, and perform better in the exams,’ said Zantor.

Over the past three months, Volta Regional Library’s Mobile Library Service has conducted 19 hands on computer classes at six schools, reaching 306 pupils. With the new computers, they will reach many more.

Thank you again for your interest and support.

Links:

• See how innovative public library services are changing lives!
• EIFL: Advancing development through libraries