ICT centres alone not enough to drive digital learning – UNIWIZ CEO

Founder and CEO of the UNIWIZ Foundation, Wisdom Larry Quarme-Doe, has emphasized that simply providing ICT centres for schools without equipping teachers with the necessary skills to effectively utilize them can hinder the impact of digital learning. To address this issue, the foundation has launched an Advanced Digital Skills Training programme for Ghana Education Service (GES) ICT coordinators, starting with the Greater Accra Region.

Quarme-Doe explained that the aim is to complement the foundation's efforts in constructing ICT centres by enhancing the capabilities of educators responsible for digital learning. He stressed that providing e-libraries or ICT centres for schools is only effective if the teachers responsible for imparting digital skills are also well-equipped.

The training program aims to equip ICT coordinators with the necessary skills to enhance the delivery of ICT education in classrooms. Quarme-Doe appreciated the support from the Swiss Embassy, highlighting that the partnership would facilitate the development of skills relevant to ICT facilitators. The current programme is focused on the Greater Accra Region, but the foundation plans to expand it to other regions, including the Ashanti and Eastern Regions.

Quarme-Doe emphasized the increasing importance of digital education in today's world, stating that the foundation's involvement in the National Juniors Challenge quiz programme has provided insights into the gaps in ICT infrastructure across schools. By combining the provision of ICT centres with teacher training, UNIWIZ Foundation aims to ensure that pupils directly benefit from these initiatives.