Wednesday August 13, 2008 2:33 PM
Since May 26, 2008, Rawlings Sam, a Project Manager for the Astrient Foundation and a recent Computer Science graduate from Ashesi University College, has been providing hands-on computer technology instruction to middle school students in Ghana. Rawlings, who has an overwhelming passion for software and systems development, is now sharing his passion for technology with youth in the community of Accra, Ghana through the Astrient Foundation’s Educational Outreach Program.
Through the Astrient Foundation’s Educational Outreach Program, Rawlings is implementing the program in Ghana by providing instruction to students at Ordorkor "1" Junior High School (JHS) on Mondays and Wednesdays. The goal of this program is to transfer knowledge and expertise to students in economically disadvantaged communities. Through this program, which Rawlings designed, the Astrient Foundation exposes students to computer technology; thereby maximize their comprehension of technology and their learning potential. According to Rawlings, "in our increasingly global economy, it is important that students are exposed to a range of ideas, technology, and disciplines so that they can respond in creative ways to solving problems within their communities.
The Educational Outreach Program has been very well received by both students and faculty alike. Students are learning the basics of micro- computer applications and have assembled basic PC components. This is quite an accomplishment for many of these students as this program provided, for many, their very first interaction with a personal computer. It is clear that the students have really enjoyed the program. Several students have even expressed an interest in a computer-related career. Likewise, the school's administration has also found the program extremely helpful to the students. Mr. Michael Korletey, the headmaster of the Odorkor "1" Junior High School stated that "the ICT exposure given to the school children will definitely redefine a career interest for some of them."
The Astrient Foundation strives to promote the dissemination of technical expertise through the creation and support of community programs and projects with the goal of making a profound positive impact on our global society. If you would like to learn more about the Educational Outreach program, please contact Rawlings Sam via email at rawlings@astrientfoundation.org.
