‘All the gold in the world has no significance. That which is lasting are the
thoughtful acts which we do for our fellow man.’
Adolfo Prieto
In order to stimulate some of the children of the Central Region of Ghana to take education seriously, we should expose them to what education can do for them. The internet is a powerful media through which these children can learn what other children in the world are learning and talking about. When they can communicate with other children and discuss issues with them, it would be easier for some of these truant children to take their education seriously. The benefits from access to the internet are more than talking to other kids. Education is its major benefit. We will fail these children if we don’t use any means at our disposal to make it easier and more attractive for them to want to read a book and stay in school.
It is with the above thought in mind that I have been talking about this project with everyone I meet. Luckily for me I discussed this idea with Cynthia Murnan, the Director of Client Services at the Irvin E. Houck Center for Information Technology at the Oberlin College. Cynthia saw my vision and bought into the idea. She has donated six McIntosh computers to start the project in Ghana.
I am grateful to Ms. Murnan and the Oberlin College for this generous contribution which will bring tears of joy to the faces of these poor Ghanaian children. I am hoping that other readers who are are able to help can contact us and join this effort to help these children. Computers and books for the school library are welcome.
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2 comments:
This is a laudable venture. I wish to thank Oberlin College for the donation. I would like to be a volunteer in whatever activity involving the education of such children.
I have been involved in the education and encouragement of the girl child in Ghana, where as an executive member of Women in Science and Technology (WIST) and with Prof. Ewurama Addy as President, we had held workshops to discuss with them the broad playing field of all areas in science. This is because science-based courses are now being discarded and relegated to the background for the more profit-oriented and seemingly profitable and well paid courses in the arts. In your programme, we would need to encourage not only the girls but all children no matter the gender on the profitability of embarking on science courses; as this is where we will derive the 'engine of growth' in developing countries like Ghana. Since I work with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, we can arrange visits to certain Institutes of CSIR to encourage these children. I believe when the children interact positively with role models in the different disciplines of the sciences they will be encouraged and be in a better position to decide their fate.
Another issue very close to my heart is the education of the physically challenged children in Ghana. Is it possible to add this aspect to your programme. Education of such special children is practically minimal or nearly non-existent. How wonderful it will be to put a smile on the faces of such children whose only means of survival is to beg on the streets. As for the availability of jobs for even the few who have fought through to educate themselves, it is nothing to write home about as the people discriminate against such individuals. It has always been my wish to look for funds to educate such people, eventually leading to lobbying government in advancing policies for organizations to employ at least one physically challenged individual per year in exchange for tax relief etc. or any such benefits.
Margie,
Thanks for your insightful comments. Living in Ghana, you bring a refreshinly new perspective to this debate. You're welcome to be part of this program as I have been looking for people like you to help move this project off the ground.
I am really excited about your impending contribution to this monumental effort. Welcome on board.
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