Ernest Kissiedu
3 December 2008
The Mobile Telecommunications Network (MTN-Ghana) in partnership with the Government of Ghana has launched the 'MTN ICT Learning Centers' to help improve upon the teaching and learning of ICT education in communities.
The project involves the construction of 10 replicable ICT learning centers in each of the 10 regions in the country.
Each center would be equipped with 20 computers, a printer, a photocopier, USBs, a digital camera with video capabilities, a scanner and other services.
Ten districts, one from each region would benefit from the $670,000 project.
Performing the launch, the British High Commissioner to South Africa, Mr. Paul Boateng said it is increasingly critical for people across the world to be ICT-literate in order to function effectively in a globalised world.
ICT, he said, plays a key role in delivering quality and efficient education to all. "ICT can be used to develop the economy. Teaching and learning can also be enhanced through ICT training," he said.
Mr. Boateng said Africa has a great future in the world that needs its values and encouraged corporate institutions in Ghana to lend their support to the task of bridging the digital divide.
"Government can't do it on its own; it needs the support of all private establishments. If we are serious about development, then we should recognize partnership with private companies," he said.
The Director of ICT at the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports, Rev. Emmanuel Kingsley Dedemi on behalf of his minister said the government is committed to encouraging ICT education at all levels in the country's educational sector.
He said the Ghana Education Service and the education ministry have organized a number of training programmes for teachers to help improve upon their knowledge and skills in ICT.
Rev. Dedemi said today's network world demands a network force that understands the importance of how to use technology to their best ability.
He described the project as a step in the right direction and advised managers who would take charge of the centers to avoid and prevent cyber crimes.
Mr. Daouda Toure, the United Nations Development Project (UNDP) Resident Representative said the UNDP would continue to support Ghana's efforts in capacity building to accelerate and develop a strategy in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and middle-income status by 2015.
ICT, he said, is not only becoming a new engine of economic growth but also plays a catalytic role as an enabler to development, encourages entrepreneurship and creates employment.
Mr. Toure said ICT provides a platform to bring data, information and knowledge to all Ghanaians through initiatives such as the e-commerce, e-schools and e-health. These initiatives enhance the ability to effectively participate in decision making at all levels for good governance and growth.
He thanked MTN-Ghana for their commitment towards the educational and health sectors and urged other corporate entities to emulate MTN.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTN-Ghana, Mr. Brett Goschen said the main objective of the project is to empower communities through ICT education.
He said the ICT Learning Centers would be of immense benefit to students and teachers, business people and members of the beneficiary communities.
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