36 More Laptops Distributed to Empower Students' Digital Learning
In line with the Vice-Chancellor's agenda to ensure students have access to personal computers to aid their studies, the Student Financial Aid Office and the One Student One Laptop (1S1L) Committee, have facilitated the distribution of 36 laptops to newly selected beneficiaries, including four level 100 students with special needs.
The distribution exercise, the fourth since the launch of the initiative, brings the total number of laptops distributed since August 2022 to 420 and marks a significant step towards achieving the goal of the 1S1L.
The 1S1L project ensures that students have access to personal computers, which can significantly enhance their learning experience. It allows beneficiaries to access a wealth of information and resources online, participate in virtual classrooms and develop essential digital skills.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, speaking at the brief ceremony to present the laptops to the students, underscored the urgent need for digital literacy among students. Addressing the gathering, she remarked, “Every year, graduates are released into the job market and it is essential that they possess the skills to compete in today’s digital landscape.”
Prof. Amfo indicated that the initiative aims to bridge the gap in accessing quality education and ensuring that students and graduates are digitally literate and competitive. “This initiative is a significant step towards achieving this goal,” she said.
The Vice-Chancellor commended the 1S1L Committee for their efforts in promoting inclusivity.
Prof. Peter Quartey, Chairperson of the 1S1L Initiative, described the initiative as a beacon of hope, especially in light of the challenges encountered during online leaning, as a result the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted the three key components of the initiative: providing laptops at discounted prices, supporting brilliant but needy students and establishing a laptop assembly plant.
He reported that the University has received over 630 laptops, and expressed gratitude for the support from partners, individual donors and the corporate community.
Prof. Ernest Yaw Tweneboah-Koduah, the Chair of the 1S1L Selection Sub-Committee, explained that the selection process prioritised undergraduate students in their second or third year, postgraduate research students and brilliant but needy students with competitive grades.
The Chief Information Technology Officer (CITO), Mr. Francis K. Boachie, provided the students with instructions regarding picking up the laptops from the University of Ghana Computing Systems (UGCS), as well as general maintenance tips.
In earlier remarks to welcome attendees and beneficiaries to the ceremony, Dr. Mrs. Elizier Ameyaw-Buronyah, Director of Public Affairs, praised the Vice-Chancellor's vision, stating, “The 1S1L Initiative exemplifies the University’s commitment to bridging the technological divide and enhancing the learning experience for students.” She highlighted that nearly 400 students have benefited from the initiative since its inception in 2022.
Emmanuel Ayemzokiya, a beneficiary and student with special needs, expressed his gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor, University management and the 1S1L committee on behalf of the beneficiaries. Delivering his speech through sign language interpretation, he urged his fellow beneficiaries to maintain and utilise their laptops for the purpose for which they were provided.
The event was attended by Prof. Gordon Awandare, Pro Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academic and Student Affairs, other members of the 1S1L Committee as well as staff from the Student Financial Aid Office and the Public Affairs Directorate.
