Telecel Ghana employees have successfully handed over a refurbished and equipped 20-unit Information and Communication Technology (ICT) laboratory to the Anum-Asikuma community in the Eastern Region. This initiative provides a modern space for students from Asikuma Presby Primary and adjacent schools to learn essential digital skills.
The project was executed under Telecel Ghana Foundation's Employee Volunteerism Programme (EVP), known as Red Hearts. Employees from the Legal, External Affairs, and Finance teams led this specific effort. This program empowers staff to propose, co-fund, and implement community development initiatives across Ghana.
This effort aligns with Ghana's broader push for digital transformation and improved access to technology, especially in underserved areas. Bridging the digital divide is crucial for economic growth and preparing the workforce for a technology-driven future. The government has consistently emphasized the importance of ICT education to enhance national competitiveness.
Komla Buami, Telecel Ghana's Director of External Affairs, urged the community to fully utilize and protect the new facility. He emphasized its role as a gateway to knowledge and innovation. Rita Agyeiwaa Rockson, Head of Foundation, Sustainability, and External Communications at Telecel Ghana, highlighted that the project embodies the Red Hearts initiative's spirit. She noted it places employees at the forefront of positive community transformation.
The new laboratory will significantly impact students' practical exposure to technology, moving beyond theoretical learning. This practical experience is vital for equipping them to participate in the current digital economy. It will also prepare them for future digital work opportunities, as noted by Madam Regina Ayikpa, the headmistress.
Beyond initial seed funding from the Telecel Ghana Foundation, employees raised additional funds through internal crowdfunding. These funds were used to renovate the facility and equip it with computers, furniture, and internet connectivity. This collective effort underscores the strong commitment of Telecel Ghana's workforce to social responsibility.
The Chief of Asikuma Traditional Area, Nana Abuko Kofi I, expressed gratitude for the ICT lab. He pledged the community's commitment to maintaining the equipment. He recognized the relevance of digital education in improving student performance and preparing them for the future.
This Asikuma ICT Laboratory marks the second project delivered this year under Telecel Ghana Foundation's Red Hearts program. Earlier in May, employees handed over a renovated, connected, and fully equipped 30-seater ICT Lab to the Akim Achiase district. These projects reflect Telecel Ghana Foundation's dedication to enhancing access to quality digital education and fostering meaningful social impact across Ghanaian communities.
The continued investment by corporate entities like Telecel Ghana in digital infrastructure for schools is a positive trend. It complements government efforts and helps accelerate the country's digital literacy goals. Such initiatives are critical for ensuring that Ghana's youth are not left behind in the rapidly evolving global digital landscape.