Telecel Ghana Foundation has trained 60 young girls from multiple schools in Koforidua on foundational skills in coding, robotics, and programming as part of its Grow Girls in STEM initiative.

The beneficiary pupils were from local schools including Riis Presbyterian School, Seventh Day Adventist School, Nana Kwaku Boateng M/A Basic, and Victory Land Academy, all within the Koforidua municipality.

The training, organised in partnership with Asutem Robotics Academy at the Koforidua Regional Library, forms a key pillar of the Foundation’s Connected Learning programme, which provides robust Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and training for young girls across the country.

By giving young girls STEM exposure through practical experience in artificial intelligence, data science, and robotics, the Foundation aims to inspire and equip them with the tools and skills they need to thrive in today's digital world and bridge the existing gender gap in the field.

Through practical training and engaging experiences, the programme seeks to explain STEM careers, making them accessible and attractive to young girls. Guided by Asustem Robotics experts, the girls were introduced to core concepts of coding, robotics, and programming. 

They had the opportunity to apply their newfound knowledge in breakout teams.  This approach bolstered their creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.

"Despite the vast opportunities the digital era presents, there is still a significant gap in digital skills, especially for young girls in underserved communities," said Rita Agyeiwaa Rockson, Head of Foundation, Sustainability, and External Communications at Telecel Ghana.

"The Grow Girls in STEM initiative directly addresses this disparity by contributing to a supportive learning environment where girls can explore, innovate, and excel in STEM fields.”

Josephine is in her second year at Victoryland Academy. After receiving training in building auto robotics and using Scratch – a programming language used to create games and virtual experiences, Josephine believes it can help her simulate surgical operations as a surgeon in future.

“We used Scratch to undertake ocean clean-up exercises virtually for environmental preservation. I can use Scratch to practise surgeries virtually till I become a professional surgeon. I would also like to teach my friends and classmates what I have learnt today.”

STEM Coordinator for New Juaben South Municipality, Louisa Amanor said the Grow Girls in STEM initiative will help the girls acquire new digital skills and reshape their perceptions of what they can achieve in future.

“We need the girls to interact with more female STEM trainers and mentors to break down their misconceptions that this field is the preserve of men. The more they see and visualise careers in the field, it would be easier to focus and build careers in STEM.”

The Grow Girls in STEM training in Koforidua is a testament to the Telecel Ghana Foundation's dedication to empowering young girls.

The Foundation aims to empower and train young girls to explore and excel in STEM fields to compete in a world increasingly driven by technology and innovation.