Telecel Ghana Foundation has hosted a hands-on training session in robotics for deaf students at the Tetteh Ocloo State School for the Deaf in Adjei Kojo, Tema West municipality to mark International Day for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).

As part of the Foundation’s overarching Connected Learning programme, the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) training equipped over sixty students with the foundational knowledge and skills in robotics and exposed them to inclusive careers in the rapidly growing field of technology.

The learners were drawn from the pre-junior high school to second-year level for the STEM training and career development sessions.

The training, delivered by robotics firm Mingo Blox, provided the students with the opportunity to learn how to design and build Light-Emitting Diode (LED) signage and to programme robots, gaining experience with cutting-edge technology that is transforming industries around the world.

“Telecel Ghana Foundation is committed to creating learning opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their abilities,” said Rita Agyeiwaa Rockson, Head of Foundation, Sustainability and External Communications.

“To mark this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we want to demonstrate to young Deaf students that the world of technology is open to everyone.

"We believe that equipping them with these skills provides them with valuable knowledge and opens doors to careers that are inclusive and accessible.”

In addition to the robotics training, members of the Telecel Super Care support team, the customer service agents dedicated to addressing complaints of deaf customers on the network, interact with the students in sign language, providing words of encouragement and sharing insights into the diverse career paths available to them.

“It’s all about showing these students that they belong in every workspace, including technology,” Kow Cornelius, Special Needs specialist at Telecel Ghana said.

“Our goal today was to inspire them, make them aware of their potential, and let them know that there are careers that are inclusive, accessible, and ready to welcome them with open arms.”

The students, who participated with great enthusiasm, expressed their gratitude for the unique learning experience.

Angel Boateng, a second-year junior high school student, said the exposure to robotics has sparked her interest in reading more about designing and building automation projects.

“It’s been an interesting and engaging learning experience for me. Previously I didn’t have any knowledge about robotics, but as I have learned the basics today, I hope to go deep into it to improve my skills and possibly create a business in technology in future,” Angel said, as she signed her words with a teacher interpreting.

The headmaster of Tetteh Ocloo State School for the Deaf, Isaac Arthur, said that offering deaf students practical insights into the world of robotics will help to break down barriers and build greater accessibility in technology, ensuring that individuals with disabilities have the same opportunities to succeed.

“We are in a digital age and understanding robotics will help the students improve their STEM knowledge and motivate them to pursue academic and career opportunities in the tech field.

"I will appeal to more organisations to follow the exemplary lead of Telecel Ghana Foundation”.

Telecel’s International Day for Persons with Disabilities initiative is one of the many ways the telco is striving to make a positive impact in the community and create a more inclusive future for all.