Graduants of FUTECH Programme
By Desmond Tinana
Genius IT Foundation, a youth-led technology-focused organization in Ho, the Volta Regional Capital, has graduated 27 learners and has also launched its groundbreaking STEM initiative called Flexible Utilization of Technology known as the FUTECH.
The FUTECH Programme aims to bridge the STEM education gap by providing essential skills to underserved communities, students, and public schools in the region. It prepares young people for the future of work by offering hands-on STEM education and equipping them with digital skills crucial for technological advancements.
The initiative also addresses the shortage of digital and STEM-skilled individuals and professionals in the Volta Region through various platforms, striving to close the gap and empower the community.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony for the fourth cohort and the official program launch, Desmond Kitsi, Executive Director of Genius IT Foundation, emphasized the program’s three key components: the FUTECH Lab, FUTECH TV, and the establishment of FUTECH clubs in public schools. Together, these elements aim to expand access to technology education across the region.
Kitsi outlined that, the FUTECH Program targets two main groups to achieve maximum impact: FUTECH Inners, which includes university students, senior high school students, and community members passionate about technology, and FUTECH Kids, focusing on children in public schools receiving basic digital and STEM education.
“We are undertaking this project because we recognize that the Volta Region is significantly underserved in terms of tech and STEM education. The FUTECH initiative aims to bridge this gap and ensure that smart, capable young people in the region have the opportunity to develop their skills,” Kitsi stated.
“The program is designed to address societal challenges, enabling young participants to create solutions to local problems and potentially scale these solutions into entrepreneurial ventures,” he added.
Kitsi also appealed for support in establishing a modern FUTECH Lab, which would extend the program’s reach to a broader audience, including underprivileged youth, public school students, and technology enthusiasts who lack access to such opportunities.
“The main challenge we face is a lack of facilities. Despite the program’s success, our progress is limited by inadequate resources and tools. The few kits we have are making a difference, but with more support, we can establish a well-equipped lab that would help young people become innovators and problem-solvers,” Kitsi noted.
Dr. Esther Adzo Agyimah, the Municipal Education Director, praised the initiative, noting that it aligns with the new standard-based curriculum that incorporates STEM education at the basic level. She expressed optimism that FUTECH would expose students to technology, enhancing their critical and creative thinking skills.
“Technology is now a dominant force worldwide, and it’s crucial for our learners to understand its basics to improve their problem-solving abilities. This initiative by young leaders is commendable as it offers much-needed exposure to technology,” Dr. Agyimah remarked.
She highlighted the challenges facing ICT education in the municipality, including limited infrastructure and the need for more ICT teachers. Existing facilities, she revealed, have also been targeted by burglars.
Charles Gomenu, the Ho Municipal Director of the National Youth Authority, stressed the importance of ICT education for the municipality’s youth and commended the Genius IT Foundation for its efforts despite limited resources. He also called for the establishment of a STEM school in the Volta Region, stating that all regions should benefit from such national initiatives.
Some graduates of the FUTECH Program also shared their experiences; Enyonam, a basic school student, mentioned that she had acquired skills in computer programming, graphic and web design, and the Internet of Things (IoT) using programmable bots. She also noted the development of personal leadership skills, which she hopes to use to inspire others both at school and in her community.
The FUTECH Program represents a significant step towards enhancing digital literacy and STEM education in the Volta Region, offering young people the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly tech-driven world.
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