By Jean Fairbairn | EIFL Communications Manager
“The project has increased attendance at schools – especially on the days of the mobile library visits – and the children participate fully because they can touch a computer,” said Mr Ofosu Frimpong, assistant mobile librarian, Ashanti Region, Ghana.
When we last reported progress the project had just started. The mobile libraries, equipped with solar-powered laptops and modem internet connections, had travelled to only five schools to give children the practical experience they so desperately need to pass their computer exams.
Now, just three months later, mobile libraries are regularly visiting 25 schools in four regions (Ashanti, Western, Upper East and Volta). The four mobile libraries have conducted a total of 95 classes, reaching over 3,000 children. That’s almost double the 1,800 children the libraries expected to reach!
At all the schools teachers report increased attendance by pupils keen to use the computers: “The children are so eager to learn – their mind-set has changed with the exposure to computers. It has broadened their horizons – and we know they will be able to transfer their new skills to different environments,” said Ernestina Kantiono, senior library assistant, who travels to schools in the Western Regional Library van.
Teachers are working hard to make the most of the hands-on computer classes: “The teachers have started grading the pupils into groups according to their ability before delivering the lessons. This ensures efficient teaching and learning,” said Mr Frimpong.
The laptop computers have all been pre-loaded with educational content and e-books so that in addition to learning practical computer and internet skills, the children can use the laptops to study their school subjects and to practise reading. By popular demand, Volta Regional Library - the first mobile library in Ghana to offer mobile computer classes - organized reading sessions during the Christmas holidays, and the three other regional libraries plan to follow suit in future school holidays.
See the project in action on our You Tube video: http://bit.ly/20gnSNV
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