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The IT pillar aims to equip young Ghanaians with digital skills, leveraging Ghana’s strong position as an outsourcing hub for IT and related services. Swisscontact has identified key focus areas, including dual VET, skills for the IT export industry, and digital literacy to ensure inclusive access. While the sector shows strong growth potential in areas like data analysis, AI, and software engineering, a significant skills gap remains, highlighting the need for targeted training initiatives.
As the digital age transforms every aspect of modern life, initiatives that equip young learners with essential technology skills are more vital than ever. Recognizing this need, the Institute of ICT Professionals Ghana (IIPGH), with support from Swisscontact and the Dariu Foundation, a long-term partner aimed at equipping young people with the knowledge needed to thrive in a digital world, piloted the Digital Literacy Initiative (DLI) Coding Club. This program not only introduced students to coding but also empowered teachers, fostered innovation, and set a precedent for integrating technology into education in Ghana.
The DLI Coding Club pilot officially commenced on October 24, 2024, at Gbegbeyise Basic School, marking a significant step towards advancing digital literacy in Ghana. The launch was a collaborative celebration, bringing together key stakeholders, including representatives from IT Consortium, TECHAiDE, World Vision Ghana, Nasco Feeding Minds, and the Ablekuma West Municipal Assembly. The event introduced 110 students to the world of coding through an engaging two-hour session using Scratch, igniting their interest in technology and digital problem-solving.
Designed to inspire both students and educators, the launch reinforced the importance of technology as a tool for learning and innovation. Community leaders and opinion influencers in the Ablekuma West Municipality were briefed on the initiative’s overarching goal of promoting critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity among Ghana’s youth.
An integral part of the pilot’s success was a 3-day Train-the-Trainer workshop organized for 19 teachers from the municipality. This training, conducted by IIPGH with support from Swisscontact Ghana was designed to equip educators with the skills necessary to adopt and sustain the Coding Club in their respective schools after the initial active involvement of IIPGH tutors. During the pilot’s coding sessions, the teachers actively participated, observed lessons, assisted students, and gained practical knowledge on facilitating coding sessions independently. This hands-on approach ensured that the teachers were well-prepared to carry forward the initiative, creating a sustainable foundation for future digital literacy programs.
From 4th to 29th November 2024, the Coding Club held 12 engaging sessions, conducted three times a week. The curriculum emphasized project-based learning, where students developed animations, games, and interactive stories that addressed social issues. The participating schools included:
The sessions were designed to develop foundational digital skills, enhance problem-solving abilities, and encourage collaboration among students. The teachers’ involvement ensured that they gained insights into delivering coding education effectively.
During the final week of the pilot program, students engaged in a competition focused on developing social impact projects. Out of all participants, 10 students advanced to a final competition held on the closing day. These finalists presented their innovative projects, which were evaluated based on creativity, technical execution, and social relevance. The top three students were awarded laptops and cash prizes, recognizing their outstanding achievements and dedication.
A remarkable highlight of the competition was the strong participation of female students in STEM. Out of the 10 finalists, 6 were girls, and among the top three winners, one was a girl—a testament to IIPGH and Swisscontact’s commitment to fostering gender inclusivity in technology education.
The closing ceremony was attended by the Municipal Education Director, Dir. Christian Julius Aforlah and other important stakeholders from the Ablekuma West Municipal Assembly. The acting Executive Director of IIPGH, Mr. Richard Kafui Amanfu and his Director of Administration, Mrs. Gifty Mottey alongside trained teachers, students, and the IIPGH team.
During the ceremony, the students benefitted from motivational speeches which encouraged them to pursue technology-driven careers and urging the teachers to sustain the Coding Club in their schools. All participating students and the trained teachers were acknowledged for their pivotal role in the program.
The success of the pilot has laid a strong foundation for expanding the Coding Club initiative. This expanded phase will incorporate digital entrepreneurship learning through the TVET school, equipping participants with skills to prepare them for the ICT industry. The project will be run for the next four years, empowering students across multiple regions.
The Coding Club pilot at Gbegbeyise Basic School showcased the transformative impact of technology education. Through student engagement, teacher empowerment, and strategic collaborations, the initiative has established a scalable model for addressing Ghana’s digital literacy challenges.
As Swisscontact works to expand this program, we invite the private sector, development organizations, and other stakeholders to partner with us in extending the reach of the Coding Club to more schools across Ghana. Increased private sector participation will be key to sustaining and scaling this initiative, ensuring that more young learners gain the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world. Together, we can nurture talent, bridge the digital divide, and create a future where technology empowers the next generation.
The pilot phase concluded with an unforgettable closing ceremony on 29th November 2024, marking a celebration of creativity, learning, and accomplishment.