Abak Foundation, in collaboration with KGL Foundation, has officially launched a new educational initiative dubbed the “Education For Life Project (E-Life)”, aimed at equipping school children with essential Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills in the Kumasi Metropolitan and Atwima Kwanwoma areas.
The E-Life Project, which was launched at the Barima Duah Memorial School at Sokoban, brings a renewed commitment to bridging the digital divide in public schools, many of which lack access to ICT laboratories and digital training facilities.
The launch event brought together students, parents, and teachers who expressed great enthusiasm for the opportunities the project presents.
Speaking to the media, the Executive Director of Abak Foundation, Mr. Philip Duah, stressed the urgent need for practical support from government in the implementation of its digitalisation agenda.
He said, “We at Abak Foundation have observed a huge gap. Most public schools don’t even have ICT laboratories. The government needs to rethink its digitalisation agenda and retool our schools. It’s not enough to talk; we must act.”
The E-Life Project goes beyond ICT training, incorporating mentorship and parental involvement as key components.
Children participating in the programme will benefit from mentorship sessions with professionals from various fields, designed to inspire them and help them visualise the future they aspire to.
Matina Addae, Project Officer for E-Life, explained the significance of the mentorship component, describing it as one of the project’s flagship life skill initiatives. “At the end of the day, it’s going to build their character and boost their self-esteem and confidence,” she said.
“We want these children to grow into responsible individuals who can make their own informed decisions, rather than being easily influenced by peers.”
Parents are also a critical part of the E-Life Project. Training sessions will be held for them to ensure they understand the role they play in nurturing their children’s dreams and ambitions.
According to the organisers, these sessions are aimed at fostering better communication and support between parents and their teenage children.
The E-Life Project is one of several educational initiatives by Abak and KGL Foundations aimed at preparing the next generation for the digital era.
As the world continues to shift towards digital transformation, the two foundations believe it is crucial to ensure that no child is left behind in the tech-driven future.
Nana Yaw Owusu/Kumasi.