At the heart of Ghana, where the sun greets the earth, a new chapter unfolds at afiDE Ghana (RGC). With the spirit of innovation in the air, RGC welcomed their shining star, Digital Education Ambassador Tyrone Iras Marhguy into its family during the Grand Opening on 19-03-2024.
As a talented Computer Engineering student and mathematician, Tyrone brings his expertise and passion to help us advance digital skills education in Ghana. During a recent interview at Ashesi University, Tyrone shared his commitment to improving digital literacy. His role at RGC will involve promoting our mission and participating in events to highlight the importance of digital skills.
Tyrone’s enthusiasm for this cause is clear: “I’m eager to help equip the youth of Ghana with the digital skills they need for the future,” he says. With Tyrone on board, we’re set to reach more schools and empower a new generation of tech-savvy leaders.
We are thrilled to announce that we have formed a strategic partnership with Empac Ghana, a leading company in the ICT sector, to expand our reach and impact in providing computer-based education to schools in Ghana. This is a great opportunity for us to work together with a like-minded and experienced partner who shares our vision of empowering learners with digital literacy skills.
Empac Ghana, founded by Nat Mensah and Robert Knox, is a reputable and reliable provider of security and fire control systems for the ICT industry in the Greater Accra region. They have a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the ICT industry and a strong network of contacts and clients. They also have a passion for education and social development, and they recognise the importance of equipping the next generation of Ghanaian talents with the necessary ICT skills to thrive in the 21st century.
That is why they have decided to join forces with us, afiDE Ghana, a social enterprise that offers a comprehensive Computerlab-as-a-Service to implement computer-based education for schools in Ghana. Our innovative and affordable solution enables schools to provide real ICT skills training to their students without upfront costs. We take care of everything, from installing and maintaining the computer lab, to providing the training of teachers, connecting it to internet and to monitoring and evaluating the learning outcomes. Our goal is to promote digital literacy, improve learning experiences, and bridge the technology gap for learners across Ghana.
Implementing Computer-based education for Schools in Ghana
Together, Empac Ghana and afiDE Ghana will work to reach more schools and more students with our Computerlab-as-a-Service. Empac Ghana will act as our liaison and promoter, connecting us with School Leaders and their stakeholders, such as Parent Teacher Associations and School Management Boards. We will collaborate closely with them to ensure the growth and sustainability of our partnership and our impact.
We are very excited about this new chapter in our journey and we look forward to working with Empac Ghana to make a positive difference in the lives of many Ghanaian learners. We believe that together, we can help schools implement computer-based education for all in the coming years, and contribute to a higher level of development, more opportunities, and a better future for the Ghanaian population.
We warmly welcome Nat and Robert to our new office in Adjiringanor, Accra, where we had a fruitful meeting last Wednesday. We are confident that this partnership will be a fruitful and rewarding one for both parties, and most importantly, for the learners we serve.
If you are interested in learning more about our Computerlab-as-a-Service, or if you want to join us as a partner, or a sponsor, please visit our website or contact us. We would love to hear from you and explore how we can work together to achieve our mission.
Thank you for your support and stay tuned for more updates from us!
Are you passionate about transforming education in Ghana? Would you like to be a part of a team that is dedicated to bringing positive changes in the lives of students and schools in the Greater Accra region and beyond? If the answer is yes, then afiDE Ghana invites you to join our growing team as we embark on a mission to make schools digitally literate and empower students.
Our Mission
At afiDE Ghana, our mission is clear – we aim to empower ambitious schools in Ghana to embrace digital literacy and become key players in the country’s digital economy. With our investment-free Computerlab-as-a-Service concept, we are set to roll out this groundbreaking initiative to partner schools of all levels in the Greater Accra region in 2024.
Your Chance to Make a Difference
After two years of meticulous development and testing, we are determined to partner with at least 40 ambitious schools in the coming year. To achieve this goal, we are expanding our dynamic team of four and are on the lookout for three enthusiastic and mission-driven individuals who understand the challenges faced by schools. As Headmistress Rahinatu Yakubu Salifu recently stated at our Seminar, “Not only is the lack of computers a challenge but also the continuous maintenance needs are a headache.” By joining our team, you can be a changemaker, contributing to bringing Ghanaian education into the 21st Century.
Partnership Building for 21st Century Education
afiDE Ghana is recruiting talented individuals to shape our positioning in the educational sector. To bridge the gap between our solutions and schools, we need dedicated professionals with a vision and experience in the educational field. We are currently recruiting for the following positions:
1. Marketing Manager:
Shape our approach and plan activities.
Manage the sales team and marketing activities of our partners.
Experience in the educational sector and proficiency in online media usage and CRM systems is crucial.
If you are ready to join this transformative journey, send your letter and resume to our Startup Leader, Brianna Dika, at brianna.dika[at]computerlabs.nl. The deadline for submissions is January 15, 2024.
Join the RecellGhanaComputerlabs Team and be a catalyst for change in Ghanaian education. Together, let’s empower schools to thrive in the digital era!
A Recap of the '21st Century Student Skills' Seminar in Accra
On the 29th of November 2023, the bustling city of Accra, Ghana, played host to a transformative seminar at CENDLOS, organized by afiDE Ghana. Themed ’21st Century Student Skills: How to Advance Digital Skills with Students in Ghana?’, the event aimed to address the challenges hindering digital inclusion and education in the country.
Advance Digital Skills with Students in Ghana
The seminar kicked off with a warm welcome from Ms. Brianna Dika, the Start-up Leader of afiDE Ghana, who officially greeted the esteemed guests. Dr. Samuel A. Offori, the Director of Finance and Operations of CENDLOS, then addressed the audience, representing the Executive Director who was away on national duty.
Dr. Offori highlighted the significant technological developments in Ghana, particularly the introduction of the I-Box in 2002. He emphasized the crucial role of afiDE Ghana in providing investment-free Computerlabs, a vital step toward advancing ICT development in the country.
Keynote Presentation by Dr. Kofi Sappong Adu Manu
The highlight of the seminar was the keynote presentation by Dr. Kofi Sappong Adu Manu from University of Ghana, who expressed gratitude for the initiative. Dr. Manu shared statistical data revealing Ghana’s exponential growth rate of 4.9% since 2017 due to digital inclusion. However, he highlighted the challenge that only 18% of Ghanaian students possess digital skills, with a mere 2% having advanced skills, limiting their opportunities.
Dr. Manu underscored the importance of digital skills development and proposed strategies for advancement. He called for joint efforts from the government and private individuals, mentorship programs, and other initiatives to empower both students and teachers.
Panel Discussion: ‘How to Make Computer-Based Education Available to All?’
A thought-provoking panel discussion followed, featuring Adjei Kwarteng, Rahinatu Yakubu Salifu, Miriam Ocloo, Yaw Affiamoah, and Hanc de Bokx. Moderated by Maxwell Sallassi, the panel addressed the challenges of integrating computer skills into education.
Rahinatu Yakubu Salifu, Headmistress of Kwabenya Senior High School, emphasized the lack of infrastructure as a major hindrance to computer skills training. She candidly stated, “Not only is the lack of computers a challenge, but also the continuous maintenance needs are a headache.”
Miriam Ocloo from G-SET highlighted their efforts to enhance digitalization through teacher training programs.
Hanc de Bokx, co-founder of afiDE Ghana, explained why he chose Ghana, citing the lack of ICT facilities in schools. His company’s innovative solution, ‘Computerlab-as-a-Service,’ aims to bridge this gap and address maintenance challenges.
Student Testimony and Inauguration of Computerlab at CENDLOS
The seminar showcased positive testimonials from students at Jay’s International and Acropolis Maranatha, who have benefited from afiDE Ghana. Attendees witnessed the inauguration of the Computerlab by Samuel A. Offori and Hanc de Bokx. This was followed by a demonstration of educating with our Computerlabs by Boampong Wilson ICT-teacher at Acropolis Maranatha Academy.
The event concluded on a high note, with participants enjoying refreshments and networking opportunities. The ’21st Century Student Skills’ seminar left a lasting impression, sparking a collective commitment to advancing digital skills and education in Ghana. afiDE Ghana continues to be a beacon of hope, determined to Advance Digital Skills with Students in Ghana.
Join us for an insightful seminar at CENDLOS, Accra
RecellGhana Computerlabs and CENDLOS extend a warm invitation to Teachers, Headmasters, Education Stakeholders and Employers on the November 29th Seminar. We are excited to bring together individuals passionate about bridging the technology gap in Ghana’s schools and enhancing students’ skills for the digital job market demands.
afiDE Ghana, a social enterprise, offers innovative Computerlabs-as-a-Service to schools across Ghana. This service empowers schools to provide real-time ICT-skills training to their students. In collaboration with us, CENDLOS, the government institute dedicated to promoting technology adoption in education, we aim to drive this mission forward.
This seminar is especially significant as it coincides with the grand inauguration of the Computerlab at CENDLOS. We look forward to your presence, as your insights and support are crucial in shaping the future of education in Ghana.
Your participation will make a difference. Please confirm your attendance by 24th November 2023 via call/WhatsApp on 0535111599 or email info@afide.network
Together, let’s empower our students with the skills needed for the digital age. We can’t wait to see you there!
CENDLOS (Center for National Distance Learning and Open Schooling) and afiDE Ghana (RGC) have signed a collaboration agreement on 25-10-2023, aimed at improving the quality of education through Edtech in Ghana with a primary focus to enhance digital skills of students. The agreement was signed by Nana Gyamfi Adwabour (Executive Director CENDLOS) and Brianna Dika (Startup Leader afiDE Ghana).
The collaboration between CENDLOS and afiDE Ghana is beneficial in several ways. For instance, CENDLOS can leverage afiDE Ghana’ expertise in setting up computer labs to provide students with access to digital learning resources. This will boost Digital Literacy in Ghana. At the same time afiDE Ghana can introduce innovative solutions that will enable students to access digital learning resources from anywhere in the country.
As part of the cooperation, CENDLOS will receive a free Computerlab from afiDE Ghana, which will be inaugurated and demonstrated during the Seminar on ’21st Century Student Skills’ held on 29 November at the CENDLOS location in Accra.
afiDE Ghana is a social enterprise that provides Computerlabs to schools in Ghana. The company’s Computerlabs are equipped with quality equipment and software, internet, and are maintained and updated 24/7.
The benefits of utilizing afiDE Ghana’ Computerlab include:
Enhanced Learning: The Computerlab will provide students with access to a wide range of educational resources, e-books, research tools, and interactive learning activities, creating a more engaging and effective learning environment.
Digital Literacy: By incorporating Computerlabs into the curriculum, students will develop essential digital literacy skills vital in the 21st-century workforce, preparing them for future career opportunities that demand technological proficiency.
Teaching Aid: Computerlabs can serve as valuable tools for teachers, aiding in the creation of interactive lessons, delivery of multimedia content, and more effective assessment of student progress.
By collaborating with afiDE Ghana, CENDLOS aims to bridge the digital divide and provide students with access to quality education, regardless of their location.
For more information about afiDE Ghana, please visit their website at [afide.network].
For more information about CENDLOS, please visit their website at [cendlos.gov.gh]
RGC partners with Educare for Digital Education Delivery
18-10-2023, ACCRA, GHANA – In today’s fast-paced digital era, where artificial intelligence continuously shapes our evolving economy, the acquisition of digital education and skills has become imperative for the education of the current generation, preparing them for adulthood. afiDE Ghana – a social enterprise with service partnership in the Netherlands, has partnered with Quartmani EduCare Partners – an Accra-based education support services organization, to extend the Computerlab-as-a-Service solution from afiDE Ghana to private schools across the Greater Accra and other regions of the country. Schools can now easily implement computer-based education without the need to invest.
Closing the Digital Skills Gap in Collaboration with Schools
This collaborative initiative aims to provide fully-equipped computer labs, complete with internet access and software applications for practical ICT education, to basic and secondary schools that currently lack functional computer labs. This cooperation aims to bridge the digital skills gap between high-fee private schools and their lower-fee counterparts nationwide. As part of this initiative, schools should provide a secure room for one of our Computerlabs. afiDE Ghana installs all computers and network equipment while facilitated by EduCare.
Mr. Kwarteng indicated that: “parents that enroll their children in private schools, have the trust of receiving a higher quality of education, even in low fee-paying schools. I’m thrilled this partnership enables us to extend practical ICT education to schools lacking computer labs, so schools don’t need to invest in computer systems.”
Cooperation for innovation in education
On October 17th, 2023, afiDE Ghana (RGC) and Quartmani EduCare Partners signed a cooperation agreement in Accra. Miss Brianna Dika, the Startup Leader for RGC, and Mr. Adjei Kwarteng-Amaning, the Executive Director of Quartmani EduCare Partners, signed the agreement on behalf of their organizations. “From today onwards, this agreement gives EduCare Partners the right to offer Computerlab-as-a-Service to private schools as part of their services targeted at bringing innovative solutions and empowerment in education and delivering higher value to students and their parents,” said Miss Dika.
Signing Agreement by Mr. Adjei Kwarteng-Amaning and Miss Brianna Dika
Early birds benefit from a 25% discount
Schools that lack computer labs should endeavor to take the necessary steps to enable their schools to benefit from this great initiative. Schools that come onboard before the end of December 2023, stand the chance of benefiting from a 25% discount on their year subscription.
>> Contact Mr. Kwarteng-Amaning at 054 867 4863 directly to take advantage.
Introducing Computerlab-as-a-Service in Ghana
afiDE Ghana (RGC), led by Startup Leader Brianna Dika, is a social enterprise dedicated to narrowing the digital skills gap in schools. The introduction of the Computerlab-as-a-Service solution in Ghana can be attributed to Moses Nana Aidoo. Mr. Aidoo imported this innovative concept from the Netherlands, where it had already been successfully employed in schools for many years. Collaborating with Hanc de Bokx, the founder of 1A Computerlabs, they established this social enterprise in Accra with a mission to empower Ghanaian students with digital skills.
Miss Dika proudly shared her enthusiasm, stating, “I feel proud to be part of a team that is dedicated to empowering schools to make their students computer savvy.” To date, ten Computerlabs have been set up in primary, junior high, and senior high schools, delivering outstanding results. Students have embraced the opportunity to learn and work with computers, and teachers are delighted to finally teach using technology, rather than just teaching about it. This shift has translated into improved Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) scores.
Computerlab-as-a-Service offers a comprehensive package, including the provision of a free-to-use Computerlab, 4G internet access, licensed software, regular monitoring, software updates, maintenance, repair, and replacement services, all without any upfront investment. The annual fee is based on the number of students and can be paid in installments. Building on past experiences, afiDE Ghana plans to introduce training curricula and an ICT teacher helpdesk in 2024. The teacher training program aims to enhance their professional development and enable them to deliver computer-based education effectively.
Ghana in the Digital Age
Picture of one our Computerlabs in use by students
In today’s digital age, digital literacy is paramount, enabling individuals to use Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for various tasks, including finding, evaluating, creating, and communicating information using digital devices such as computers, mobile phones, and tablets. It is a fundamental skill for success in the digital era.
Although internet access in Ghana has expanded rapidly, reaching nearly 70% of the population, and mobile wallets have become widespread with 40 million users, only 12% of young people aged 15–24 possessed computer skills as of 2020. Digital literacy encompasses not only basic computer applications but also the ability to develop and implement software solutions for government and business organizations. Without ICT skills, future opportunities are limited.
Highlighting the urgency of this issue, Hon. Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, the Minister, recently emphasized the need to bridge the digital gap and ensure that every student, regardless of their economic circumstances, can benefit from digital and distance learning opportunities. This message serves as a call to action for all sectors and stakeholders in society to recognize the educational challenges and contribute to empowering schools for the future of our children.
The partnership between EduCare Partners and afiDE Ghana is committed to making affordable digital learning solutions accessible to all students, aligning with the vision of an inclusive and digitally empowered education in Ghana.
Primary contact: Mr. Adjei Kwarteng-Amaning, the Executive Director of Quartmani EduCare Partners: email054 867 4863
More on Computerlabs-as-a-Service: Miss Brianna Dika, Startup Leader at afiDE Ghana: email 053 462 8399
JCI Ghana supports afiDE Ghana to offer Free
Computerlabs to Schools
On September 29th, 2023, Junior Chamber International (JCI) Ghana and afiDE Ghana announced their collaboration to provide free Computerlabs to schools in Ghana. The primary objective of this partnership is to help schools where children of JCI members go to, raise awareness and funds for digital skills development.
JCI Ghana is a community-based organization of young active citizens aged 18-40 who are engaged and committed to creating an impact in their communities. JCI Ghana recognizes the need to mobilize society to boost the digital skills of students nationwide.
afiDE Ghana is a social enterprise founded by Nana Moses Aidoo (RecellGhana LTD) and Hanc de Bokx (1A Computerlabs) to partner with schools in Ghana to boost the digital skills of students. afiDE Ghana has adopted the Computerlab-as-a-Service model from the co-founder from the Netherlands. This service model includes a fully equipped free Computerlab that can be used as part of the long-term partnership, taking away the need for an investment for a computer lab.
Currently, only 12% of 15-24-year-olds have basic computer skills, according to research by MICS-EAGLE in 2020, which makes it challenging for graduates to find jobs in today’s job market. Especially knowledge-intensive jobs in business, government, and at startups require people with digital skills. To support schools in delivering digital skills education long-term, Computerlabs-as-a-Service includes all services imaginable to deliver modern computer-based education for an affordable fee.
Joint activities to mobilize funding with Schools
Many schools, especially public schools, cannot easily afford the regular service fee to use Computerlab-as-a-Service, which is otherwise quite affordable. To help these schools, JCI Ghana has come forward to mobilize its members. They aim to raise awareness among JCI members about the potential for partnerships between schools and afiDE Ghana to improve computer-based education. The activities will include identifying schools interested in using Computerlabs, developing and executing fundraising programs, and seeking support from businesses, NGOs, churches, communities, families, and other organizations. Additionally, they will help schools raise funds through fundraising or sponsorship approaches.
During their meeting at JCI Ghana headquarters in Accra, the President of JCI and the Executive Director of afiDE Ghana reaffirmed their commitment to helping the current generation of students keep pace with the ever-evolving digital world. To bridge the technology gap in education, society must support schools in gathering resources to make Digital Skills education an integral part of our children’s learning journey.
We’re on a mission to offer children in Ghana the opportunity to develop their ICT skills, which are crucial 21st-century abilities that will help launch Ghana into the digital age.
While the Ghana government, schools, and teachers have worked hard to implement the National ICT curriculum all over the country, there are still years to come before all children can have access to computers to practice what they have learned. In an age where digital literacy is an essential driver for development, two entrepreneurs have taken the initiative to develop a sustainable solution for schools that currently have no computer lab to teach their learners practical ICT skills.
Complete long-term offering for Education
Moses Nana Aidoo from RecellGhana and Hanc de Bokx from 1A Computerlabs in The Netherlands have done their homework in the past years. The newly established social enterprise Computerlabs Ghana LBG, branded afiDE Ghana, does not only offer the computer system with 21 stations needed but also the software, training, and support. Every Computerlab comes with a 5-year Computerlab-as-a-Service contract for internet and maintenance to ensure hassle-free computer-based education for the long term because we all know maintenance in Ghana is a challenge!
Large donor for 40 public schools in the Greater Accra region
The social entrepreneurs that founded Computerlabs Ghana LBG have secured a substantial subsidy from the German Development Organisation (DEG) to install computer labs at 40 schools in the Greater Accra region. Thanks to this subsidy the schools only must find the funds to cover internet fees and maintenance for the 5-year contract. This 5-year assurance of hassle-free computer education only costs from 4 cedi per child per school month (9 months/year). In the first pilot with schools in 2021, it was proven that public schools were able to raise the funds for this 5-year contract through PTA’s, alumni associations, community funds, and/or business sponsors. For public schools in the Greater Accra region without a computer lab and 300-900 learners, it’s time to apply for one of our managed Computerlabs to be installed at your school. Apply fast before we run out!
Looking for more partners
Computerlabs Ghana is looking for partners in Ghana and beyond to make Computerlab-as-a-Service available for as many schools as possible and boost digital literacy in Ghana. If you also want to give children the chance to develop their ICT skills, join forces with Computerlabs Ghana. There are different ways to become part of the solution, for instance; donate working computer equipment, sponsor the school of your children, gather support in your community for computer labs at schools or you may have other ideas that can contribute. Together we can change the future of our children!
About 1A Computerlabs The Netherlands
1A First AlternativeThe Netherlands was founded by Hanc de Bokx in 2001. This specialised ‘Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) company has developed its own technology to automatically manage computer networks remotely. For the education market, it has set up 1A Computerlabs BV to deliver Computerlab-as-a-Service to schools. 1A First Alternative is an ISO 27001 certified, accredited Microsoft Gold partner managing over 600 computer systems in The Netherlands.
