Written by Godfred Sarpong, Global Schools Advocate and Municipal ICT Coordinator, Asante Akim Central.
In celebration of this year’s International Day of the Girl Child themed “Girls Vision for the Future”, I had the privilege of facilitating the Girls in ICT Training Workshop, a transformative program sponsored by the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC).
This initiative aimed to empower young girls with essential skills in web development, mobile application design, animation, and problem-solving, all designed to prepare them for a future rooted in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The workshop, which spanned five days and engaged 25 girls, focused on equipping them with the knowledge and tools needed to address real-world challenges through technology.
The Training Workshop Structure
1. Web Development and Mobile Applications
The participants were introduced to basic web development skills, learning coding languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. This training provided a foundation for creating digital platforms and mobile applications that could tackle real-world societal issues.
2. Animation and Scratch Programming
A segment on animation and Scratch programming enabled participants to create interactive stories and games. This part of the training developed their technical abilities and creativity, fostering an engaging understanding of coding concepts.
3. Problem-Solving through ICT
Throughout the workshop, the girls tackled real-life problems such as illegal mining (galamsey), election corruption, and other social issues, developing digital solutions aligned with the principles of the SDGs. They were encouraged to focus on sustainability and the long-term impact of their innovations.
Mentorship and Competitions: Shaping Future Innovators
One of the most exciting aspects of this initiative is the mentorship program, which will support all 25 girls who participated in the workshop. Over the coming months, they will engage in various competitions and activities designed to strengthen their skills and enhance their leadership potential. These include:
Debate competitions
Game development challenges
Animation contests
Storytelling sessions
Quiz competitions
Exceptional Girls: Recognition and Future Opportunities
After the conclusion of these activities, three outstanding participants will be selected as alumni advocates for Sustainable Development and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). These exceptional girls will be recognized for their achievements and awarded special honors. As alumni advocates, they will assume leadership roles within their communities, spearheading projects focused on empowering others and promoting sustainable development.
Relevance to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This program aligns with several key SDGs, including SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). It underscores the importance of inclusive and equitable education, gender equality, and the promotion of innovation through technology. By providing girls with these skills and opportunities, we are helping to close the gender gap in STEM fields, which is critical to achieving long-term sustainable development.
Acknowledgment and Conclusion
This impactful workshop was made possible through the generous support of GIFEC, whose commitment to bridging the digital divide for girls is paving the way for a more equitable future. As a Global Schools Program Advocate, I am proud to be part of an initiative that not only empowers girls in ICT but also contributes to shaping the next generation of leaders who will drive sustainability within their communities and beyond.
The success of this workshop and the future initiatives it inspires highlight the potential of technology as a tool for social change. By investing in these young women, we are investing in a future where innovation, sustainability, and equality are at the forefront of global progress.
References.
UN Women. (2020). Women and girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM): Facts and figures. United Nations Women. Retrieved from https://www.unwomen.org
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