The Management of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST), Kumasi, has donated 560 pieces of brand new customised smart laptop computers to 74 selected less endowed senior high and basic schools.
The donation which forms part of the University’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) was part of its effort to improve Information Communication Technology (ICT) education.
Professor Kwasi-Obiri-Danso, Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, stated that it was the responsibility of KNUST to ensure that students admitted into the University had the knowledge and ability to utilise computers and related technologies efficiently, with a range of skills covering levels from elementary use of computer programmes to advanced problem solving, and are of acceptable quality.
This, according to him, formed the basis for the donation ‘’As the world is driven by science and technology, it has become very vital that the University contributes its widow’s mite to assist less endowed schools in their quest to match the growing standards of ICT education.’’
Professor Obiri-Danso announced that Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at KNUST had so far awarded 750 comprehensive scholarships to persons from less endowed schools to enable them to gain access to quality and transformative university education.
He observed that though teachers are often looked down upon by society, all professionals owe them a great gratitude adding that without teachers, there would be no doctors, engineers, pharmacists or other professionals.
The KNUST Vice Chancellor therefore charged the teachers not to waver in their determination to build a better society.
Applauding the government for introducing the Free SHS policy, Prof. Obiri-Danso noted that the policy was a good one which needs the support of all Ghanaians irrespective of their political affiliation; stressing that, it is better to educate a society without jobs than to have an illiterate jobless society.
According to him, he believes that an educated people could help create jobs for themselves and others; making the society a better place.
Receiving the items on behalf of the schools, Mrs Sylvia Nelson, Headmistress of Akomadan Senior High School, representing the Regional Director of GES, thanked the University for surprising less endowed schools in Ghana with such a kind gesture.
She hoped that KNUST would continually support and contribute its quota in the shaping of future generation.
Present at the ceremony were the Registrar of KNUST, Mr Andrews Kwasi Boateng, college provosts, college registrars, directors, deans, head teachers and ICT teachers of the selected less endowed schools.
FROM TIMES REPORTER, KUMASI
