By Michael Gyimah, Technology & Learning Coordinator, Lawra
We faced electricity blackouts, heavy rain and excessive heat, but the summer sessions at our Lawra and Nandom Technology and Learning Zones were always full of fun, games and a joy of learning! These would be incredible community spaces anywhere in the world – in rural Upper West Ghana, they are almost a miracle!
This was the first year we ran a bespoke summer curriculum in our Technology and Learning Zones, and the response from local children and the whole community has been incredible – we hosted an amazing 2600 individual visits! Sessions, which ran Monday to Saturday, offered young people a safe place to discover new interests, develop practical skills and build confidence.
“The summer school was a great experience. It helped children to learn new skills and reduced the amount of time they spent playing and roaming during the vacation.” Baku Blandina, Library Assistant, Lawra
“My daughter was always excited to come to the centre. I could see that she was learning new things and becoming more confident.” Rebecca, parent
“This is the best vacation experience ever.” Simona, pupil at of Kuoli Basic School
A key focus was to help children develop their confidence and competence in using technology by adressing practical, real-world challenges. Working in groups, students explored Microsoft Word and Excel by creating picture books, writing engaging short stories and making automated terminal report cards to help teachers manage examination data. Through coding activities using MIT Scratch, students developed computational thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills.
“I enjoyed the computer lessons because I learned things I did not know before. I also enjoyed working with my friends.” – Susana, student, Methodist School
Reading was another important focus of the sessions. Through a range of activities – including one-on-one reading, “Word of the Day” games, charades and interaction puzzles – they improved vocabulary, comprehension, problem solving and teamwork. We even had a screening of Harry Potter!
The Zones were absolutely packed, so we brought in reinforcements. Rosemary and Agnes (below) are current and former pupils we have supported to attend senior high school, and they did a brilliant job, as well as gaining valuable experience.
“The children helped me improve my communication skills because I had to explain concepts in the simplest way for them to understand. It taught me how to be patient. It was a great learning experience for me.” Agnes, learning support and senior high school student
It’s been an uplifting summer in the Technology and Learning Zones, proving learning does not have to stop when school closes. For me, the most rewarding part was watching the children move from being unsure about new activities to becoming confident enough to explore things on their own. By creating safe and inclusive spaces where children can learn, create, collaborate and connect, ATE continues to provide opportunities that help young people develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to thrive in this ever-changing world.