The Deputy Minister of Communications and Digitalisation (MoCD), Ms Ama Pomaa Boateng has encouraged the youth to embrace Information and Communications Technology (ICT) education to thrive in the 21st century.
She said that was also to help in the realisation of the digitalisation agenda and its resultant effect on the economy as all hands were needed on deck.
Ms Boateng was speaking at the launch of this year’s “Huawei Seeds for the Future Programme,” aimed at equipping more young females to take up careers in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
As part of the programme, 50 top female tertiary students would embark on an intensive eight-day virtual training from October 31 to November 7 after which the whole event would be climaxed with a mentorship and awards ceremony scheduled for November 9, 2022.
The Deputy Communications and Digitalisation Minister urged beneficiaries to enjoy the programme, develop their leadership skills, become independent thinkers and build good networks.
Ms Boateng applauded Huawei for its commitment to harnessing the potential of young women and providing them with the platform to compete equitably in the ICT space.
The Deputy Managing Director, Huawei, Kweku Essuman Quansah noted that Huawei as part of the Women in Tech initiative last year partnered the MoCD, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and the Rebecca Foundation to train over 50,000 young girls in digital technologies.
“This year, about 25,000 young girls have also benefitted from this training bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 75, 000,”he added.
Mr Quansah underscored that this year’s programme would introduce students to advanced ICT courses in the areas of Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Digital Power, Digital Trade, and Smart City while building their leadership capabilities in courses like Strategic Leadership and Cross-Cultural Management.
Mr Quansah stated that technology was the key driver of economic growth for countries, regions and societies, and therefore entreated all participants to harness the opportunities afforded them through the Seeds for the future training, to advance their skills and knowledge, boost their creativity, and become independent thinkers whose creative ideas can impact society positively.
“At Huawei we believe the future is female and as such, I will urge all beneficiaries to take the training seriously, learn from best in the industry, and ensure that the resource invested in them does not go waste.
As you will be pairing with other countries like Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Baltics, we expect you to represent Ghana positively, take your classes seriously as you network and leap into a brighter future with the tools provided,” he said.
The Deputy Managing Director of Huawei used the opportunity to commend the MoCD and other stakeholders supporting the training.
BY TIMES REPORTER
