Ecobank reaffirms commitment to digital literacy

– Story: Isaac AIDOO, Accra

ECOBANK Ghana limited has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting digital literacy and education in Ghana with a significant donation of ICT facilities to the South Labone Girls Technical Institute (SLATEC) as part of its annual Ecobank Day celebration.

This year’s event, which took place on the school’s campus, saw Ecobank officials, community leaders, educators, and students gather to mark the occasion under the theme: ‘Igniting Learning through Artificial Intelligence.’

In her keynote address, Mrs. Abena Osei-Poku, Managing Director of Ecobank Ghana, highlighted the importance of education and digital literacy in driving sustainable development.

She explained that Ecobank Day was the bank’s flagship annual social impact initiative, led by the Ecobank Foundation, which operates in 33 African countries.

“Ecobank Day is more than just a corporate event; it is an opportunity for us to give back to the communities where we operate, to make meaningful and lasting contributions to society,” Mrs. Osei-Poku stated.

She noted that this year’s theme builds on the success of last year’s campaign, which focused on equipping 10,000 children across Africa with digital skills. For 2024, the focus is on how artificial intelligence (AI) can be harnessed to improve foundational learning, particularly in literacy, numeracy, and digital literacy.

“AI has the potential to revolutionize education, making it more personalized, accessible, and effective,” Mrs. Osei-Poku explained, citing AI tools like ChatGPT, which can adapt to individual learning styles and provide personalized feedback, as an example of how technology is transforming education globally.

To demonstrate Ecobank’s commitment to this cause, Mrs. Osei-Poku announced the donation of several key educational resources to SLATEC. These include a refurbished ICT laboratory, now converted into a digital center, complete with free internet connectivity. In addition, Ecobank is offering six months of free tuition in web development, animation, robotics, and artificial intelligence.

Furthermore, the school’s library has been refurbished and equipped with new furniture and supplementary readers for upper primary and junior high school students.

In her address to the students, Mrs. Osei-Poku underscored the importance of acquiring digital skills in today’s rapidly evolving world. “You are the future of Ghana and Africa,” she said.

“Learning to read, count, and write well is essential, but equally important is acquiring digital skills. AI and other technologies are reshaping the world, and you must be prepared to seize the opportunities they bring.”

She encouraged the students to take advantage of the AI-based educational tools made available to them and to remain curious and open to learning throughout their lives.

Ecobank’s efforts extend beyond South Labone Girls Technical Institute. Mrs. Osei-Poku revealed that a similar donation was being made simultaneously to the Potters Village Orphanage in Dodowa.

Additionally, Ecobank is set to begin the refurbishment of ICT laboratories at Bishop Assuah Catholic Basic School in Takoradi and the 4 Garrison Educational Centre in Kumasi.

Once completed, these schools will also benefit from digital centers, free internet connectivity, and six months of free tuition in web development, animation, robotics, and AI, just as at SLATEC.

In total, Ecobank is investing approximately GHS 2.2 million in these four projects for 2024 alone. Mrs. Osei-Poku expressed her gratitude to Ecobank’s partners, including the Ghana Code Club, led by Ms. Ernestina Appiah, for their invaluable support.

The Ghana Code Club is playing a vital role in delivering AI-based educational programs in Accra, Dodowa, Kumasi, and Takoradi for a period of 24 weeks.

To conclude, Mrs. Osei-Poku thanked her Ecobank colleagues for their dedication to the Ecobank Day initiative, which was first launched in 2013.

“Ecobank Day would not be possible without the enthusiasm and commitment of our staff, who volunteer their time and energy to make a positive impact on our communities,” she said. The 2024 Ecobank Day celebration marks a significant milestone in the bank’s long-standing commitment to advancing education and digital literacy in Ghana, with a special focus on preparing the next generation for the demands of the digital age.