Akonua and Kwama Children’s Literacy Foundation
Article submitted by Joe Crowley, Peace Corps Volunteer living in Ghana, October 2013
It is a sunny day on October 23, 2013. As I step out of the taxi into the scorching heat, I wipe the beads of sweat from my forehead and gaze at the blue administration building of Obama College. Today, after working tediously for a month, the new computer lab is almost finished. As I walk towards the main entrance I see a red truck with eight new Gateway computers waiting to be unloaded. Gazing at the powerful tools, I feel a smile creep across my face; I could barely contain my excitement for the new and
remarkable changes unfolding for the students at this school. Standing there, I saw not just computers, but the key to a brighter and better Ghana.
Greetings! My name is Joe Crowley and I am a Peace Corps Volunteer living in Ghana, West Africa. I have had the privilege of working with the Akonua and Kwama Children’s Literacy Foundation with establishing a computer lab for the students of Obama College. Located in the community of Mankessim, Obama College was established in 2009 and currently has 300 students. The private senior high school offers core classes such as English, social studies, and mathematics. However, with only one functioning computer, the school was unable to effectively teach the students about ICT (Information and Communications Technology) which, in today’s society, has become just as essential as any core class. With this in mind, the good people
of Akonua and Kwama Children’s Literacy Foundation decided to help. Now, what was once an old room in the administrative office has been transformed into a state of the art computer room, complete with eight supercharged Gateway computers. With these new tools at their disposal, the students of Obama College will gain valuable skills that will provide them with a competitive
edge in a world that is increasingly dependent on proficient computer users. Headmaster Mr. Bainson says that with the addition of the new computer lab, his students, “will be able to gain more knowledge and will achieve a higher level of learning enabling them to compete in the business world”. Vital skills such as typing and using essential programs like Microsoft Word and Excel will give students the tools needed to excel professionally, and provide their country with valuable assets to better improve Ghana, and ultimately, the world.
As for me, before I left America, I had never thought twice about how different my world would be without computers. From my early childhood, I have been blessed with access to a computer; whether it was at home, at school, or at the local library, if I needed a computer, I could find one. This is not the case here in Ghana. After spending about eight months here I now have a better understanding of how important computers are to the future development of this country. In order for Ghana to move forward, students need both computer access and a thorough understanding of essential computer programs. These tools will enable the students of today to become the leaders of tomorrow. Thanks to you, the students of Obama College now have the
means to grasp their future. Whether it was setting up the electricity in the ICT room, donating funds, or praying for the success of the project, in your own way you have helped make this project a reality. These computers offer these students more than just access to knowledge or media. They offer a brighter future. Thank you and know that the future of Ghana also thanks you.
Article submitted by Joe Crowley, Peace Corps Volunteer living in Ghana, October 2013
It is a sunny day on October 23, 2013. As I step out of the taxi into the scorching heat, I wipe the beads of sweat from my forehead and gaze at the blue administration building of Obama College. Today, after working tediously for a month, the new computer lab is almost finished. As I walk towards the main entrance I see a red truck with eight new Gateway computers waiting to be unloaded. Gazing at the powerful tools, I feel a smile creep across my face; I could barely contain my excitement for the new and
remarkable changes unfolding for the students at this school. Standing there, I saw not just computers, but the key to a brighter and better Ghana.
Greetings! My name is Joe Crowley and I am a Peace Corps Volunteer living in Ghana, West Africa. I have had the privilege of working with the Akonua and Kwama Children’s Literacy Foundation with establishing a computer lab for the students of Obama College. Located in the community of Mankessim, Obama College was established in 2009 and currently has 300 students. The private senior high school offers core classes such as English, social studies, and mathematics. However, with only one functioning computer, the school was unable to effectively teach the students about ICT (Information and Communications Technology) which, in today’s society, has become just as essential as any core class. With this in mind, the good people
of Akonua and Kwama Children’s Literacy Foundation decided to help. Now, what was once an old room in the administrative office has been transformed into a state of the art computer room, complete with eight supercharged Gateway computers. With these new tools at their disposal, the students of Obama College will gain valuable skills that will provide them with a competitive
edge in a world that is increasingly dependent on proficient computer users. Headmaster Mr. Bainson says that with the addition of the new computer lab, his students, “will be able to gain more knowledge and will achieve a higher level of learning enabling them to compete in the business world”. Vital skills such as typing and using essential programs like Microsoft Word and Excel will give students the tools needed to excel professionally, and provide their country with valuable assets to better improve Ghana, and ultimately, the world.
As for me, before I left America, I had never thought twice about how different my world would be without computers. From my early childhood, I have been blessed with access to a computer; whether it was at home, at school, or at the local library, if I needed a computer, I could find one. This is not the case here in Ghana. After spending about eight months here I now have a better understanding of how important computers are to the future development of this country. In order for Ghana to move forward, students need both computer access and a thorough understanding of essential computer programs. These tools will enable the students of today to become the leaders of tomorrow. Thanks to you, the students of Obama College now have the
means to grasp their future. Whether it was setting up the electricity in the ICT room, donating funds, or praying for the success of the project, in your own way you have helped make this project a reality. These computers offer these students more than just access to knowledge or media. They offer a brighter future. Thank you and know that the future of Ghana also thanks you.