By Desmond Tinana
Some 45 Ghanaian kids from Adaklu Abuadi, Adaklu Kordiabe and Adaklu Helekpe in the Volta Region of Ghana, who attend computer classes at the Good Life Centre in Adaklu Tsriefe, no longer have to walk for 10km to and from their lessons as Friends of Adaklu (FOA) has provided 30 bicycles and 30 helmets as part of the “Pedal to Excellence” initiative to bridge the digital divide gap for them.
According to Madam Stella Kudah, Country Director of FOA, the initiative aims to increase access to digital literacy, save time and energy, foster quality education, boost attendance and focus, reduce fatigue and enhance learning experiences. FOA, with support from Christina and the Academy, who are major donors of the computer program.
In her words, Madam Stella Kudah said: “We realized that these children needed bicycles to help them attend computer classes regularly, so with the support of our sponsors, we were able to purchase 30 bicycles with 30 helmets for 45 students from three communities namely Abuadi, Kordiabe and Helekpe communities.
She explained that “15 bikes will be used by Helekpe students, and the other 15 will be used by Abuadi and Kodiabe students on a rotational basis. We’ve made arrangements to ensure that the bicycles are available when the children need them. Kodiabe students will walk from the mountain to Abuadi to pick up the bicycles at a designated location and ride them down to the computer class. Abuadi students will also pick from where it is kept in the community and ride to class.”
Measures have also been put in place to ensure the durability of the bikes so that other students who would later partake in the computer program could get to use them. The measures include the students signing in and out whenever they pick up or return the bikes. Parents are to ensure the maintenance of the bikes by making sure they are not used for other activities, other than to travel to the computer classes.
Madam Stella Kudah, Country Director of FOA and some parents taking a picture with the kids
Madam Kudah further clarified that the bikes are the property of the Friends of Adaklu organization and not meant for personal use. “They are specifically for students attending computer classes. If you’re not part of the current group of students, you don’t get to use the bike. We want the bikes to be kept in good condition so that every student can use them during their computer learning experience.” Madam Kudah emphasized.
A parent, Johnson Kumafo whose three children are enrolled in the computer program said though the lessons organized by FOA have been very helpful in increasing his children’s interest in computing, every Saturday, they had to walk a total of about 10 to 12 kilometers to and from the centre which can be exhausting for them but having the bicycles will go a long way to ease their stress.
According to Torgbe Edem from AdakluTsrefe, the computer training programme has been very instrumental in helping children stay away from vices like drinking and smoking in the community.
Madam Kudah also used the occasion to highlight the need for more resources to meet the growing demand for computer education as the Good Life Center, which is the head office of the FOA, currently has only 11 computers available for the program with different batches of learners coming on different schedules for the lessons thus limiting enrollment. “If we had more computers, we could accommodate more students, and with more support from individuals or groups, we could make a bigger impact.” She added.
She also expressed her hope that the initiative could expand. “If we receive more bicycles with helmets and computers, we will be able to support more children. We are calling on anyone who can contribute—whether it’s a donation of computers or bicycles with helmets, to generously reach out to Friends of Adaklu and support this important cause.”
The “Pedal to Excellence” program is already making a significant difference in the lives of many students in Adaklu. It has not only made it easier for children to attend their computer lessons, but it has also encouraged a sense of responsibility among the students. With the continued support of the community and donors, FOA hopes to expand the program, providing more students with the opportunity to learn and grow in an increasingly digital world.
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