ACCESS NORTHERN GHANA (ACNOG) COMPUTER SCHOOL PROJECT.
Access Northern Ghana is a registered non governmental organization based in the northern region of Ghana.
Tamale is the third largest city in Ghana. In several communities in Tamale adults and children have very little knowledge of computers. ACNOG has identified one such community and has obtained space for a computer school there. The nearest computer school is far away from this community, and difficult for its residents to reach. The Humanist Community has been asked to help set up this computer school with internet access, to educate both the youth and the adults about computers. There is much interest among the youth in learning computer skills. In July, 2007, when the Bishops visited there, it was a topic of conversation. Some talked of the recent competition in the job market and how others obtained jobs because they had computer skills.
ACNOG will be teaching students of this computer school the basics of computers, including typing, word, excel, PowerPoint, internet search and communications skills. Many people in the community have email addresses of friends and family abroad, but cannot communicate, since they can’t use the computer. Some computers for this project have been acquired from the Netherlands, but it was realized on arrival that most of the system units were very old and could not work with the recent software. They didn’t even have places for CD ROMS, etc. After careful assessment and negotiation, it has been determined that the 10 computers could be made usable for a cost of 2,230 Ghana Cedis, or $2206.36 US dollars (conversion as of May 21, 2008).
ACNOG cannot cover this expense. In every other respect, they are ready and eager to start operating this school to help advance basic computer skills in the community. All details have been worked out including how ongoing expenses such as electricity and the teacher will be covered, as well as the schedule of classes.
This computer school will be a long-term project. It is hoped that it can expand to other communities in northern Ghana. Students at the end of their study will have a working knowledge of computers and the internet. The school will also bring the community together in planning other future programs. Children will spend most of their after school time at this computer school, so that they will not get into trouble.
The costs listed above were current as of May 21, 2008. The prices are remarkably low, even in Ghana, and we are not certain how long they will hold. The translation from the Ghana Cedi to US Dollars changes daily. When we raised money for the Larabanga school furniture, the dollar was worth less than the Cedi. On May 21, it was worth more.
Donations for this project can be made by sending a check payable to The Humanist Community, Box 20069, Palo Alto, CA 94306. It should be clearly indicated that this donation is for the Ghana Assistance Project. Donations are tax deductable if you itemize.
Filed under: Social Action, humanism