“ATE is truly a game-changer. If someone else from Accra saw a job posting I’d say, just come and be a part of this amazing thing.”
Michael Frimpong Gyimah, Lawra Technology and Learning Coordinator
Michael was almost 500 miles from Lawra when he saw a job ad for the new Technology and Learning Coordinator pop up on his LinkedIn feed – and he immediately knew the role was perfect for him. Two weeks later he travelled from his home in Accra, first for a job interview and then to take up an exciting new position.
“I had no idea what Lawra would be like, even knowing how to pronounce the name was a struggle. But I am a person who likes to explore, and this seemed like a wonderful way to learn about new places. I have always loved computers and teaching, so this was the perfect opportunity to pursue both passions, allowing me to be a change-maker, to make a real difference in people’s lives.”
Coming to a rural, impoverished district is something of a full circle for Michael. When he was four his parents relocated to Accra from a village in the north east of Ghana. “It was a small community, there wasn’t any electricity, there was only one school, so I remember it was a very long distance. Like most people, my parents engaged in subsistence farming, but they took a chance to go to the south for a better life and this decision changed our lives. I often ask myself: what if my parents had never moved? What would have happened to us? This question has fuelled my passion for education, equity and creating opportunities for underserved communities.”
In Accra, Michael soon realised the possibilities education offered. He shone at school – especially at maths – before gaining a degree in Actuarial Science from the University Development Studies. He spent four years with ‘Lead for Ghana’, an educational NGO, and has also worked as a consultant.
“I am drawn to development and especially sustainable development, because of my background. I’ve been to a lot of rural areas, I have seen brilliant people in the villages, but they just can’t seem to escape or break the cycle without any access to opportunities. With the help of ATE, they have a fighting chance.”
It’s been a whirlwind few weeks for Michael since he arrived in Lawra in February, with the launch of the Technology and Learning Zone in the Inclusion Centre and the extension of opening hours so that children can attend after school and in the evenings. For most of them, it’s the first time they’ve ever seen a computer.
“They are very quick learners, once you teach them something, they get it quickly, all they need a little guidance to put them in the right direction. Nothing brings me greater joy than working with children, helping them explore technology and access the opportunities and knowledge they need to thrive in today’s digital world.”
And things are about to get even better. Michael is working with Na-ibo King Noah (Nandom Technology and Learning Coordinator) to arrange full internet access via Starlink, which should be in place in our two Inclusion Centres the next few weeks.
“I’m very, very excited. Not only me, the whole staff, the whole community. Even without the internet we are getting big numbers, so imagine with the Starlink. And once we’re fully networked we can get access to educational resources and online tutorials. It’s going to improve the learning experience and the learning environment. I think our impact will be really big.”
Michael and King Noah are also creating curriculums and making plans for students to travel in from more rural schools. A longer term ambition is to get the internet actually into those schools, through mobile Starlink.
“It’s good looking at the future, for students to learn from comfort of their schools and no pressure of going up and down to the Centre. But it depends on funds and getting network to these places. If it is done, trust me, the impact it’s going to have on these kids will be long-lasting.”
With ATE leading the way on technology and digital access – and able to attract talent from Accra to join us in our mission – it feels like something very exciting is happening in Lawra and Nandom.
“ATE is truly a game-changer, incredible, friendly, and they are making such a big impact on the lives of people. If you see a job posting, you have to apply, because the experience here has been nothing short of amazing.”
