The FUTECH Kids Post-JHS Program, an initiative by Genius IT Foundation, concluded its 2024 edition with a graduation ceremony and the official launch of the FUTECH Project on August 20th, 2024. The program, from July 15th to August 20th, offered STEM and technology education to BECE graduates. This year’s edition enrolled 31 students, with 27 completing the intensive nine-week program.
The FUTECH Kids program aims to bridge the STEM education gap by engaging BECE graduates in hands-on learning experiences, equipping them with digital skills in areas such as programming, web development, electronics, and graphic design. By the end of the program, participants demonstrated impressive capabilities in software development, Arduino, and other technological tools.
The graduation ceremony, held at the Elgon Conference Hall, Hotel Stevens, saw a gathering of distinguished guests, including municipal and regional officials, as well as key stakeholders in STEM education. Various speakers took to the podium to commend the initiative and highlight the importance of STEM education in shaping the future of Ghana’s youth.
In his speech, Mr. Charles Gomenu, Municipal Director of the National Youth Authority (NYA) in Ho, praised Genius IT Foundation for its commitment to equipping young people with essential digital skills, noting the significant role STEM education plays in improving youth employment opportunities. He encouraged the graduates to seize the opportunities presented by the growing tech industry, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in the digital age.
Mr. Kennedy Amedeka, Regional ICT Coordinator for the Volta Region, speaking on behalf of the GES Regional Director, stressed the value of exposing students to STEM education from an early age. He noted how programs like FUTECH help develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills in young minds, which are essential for addressing real-world challenges. He lauded the foundation for ensuring that more children in the region are given access to modern educational tools.
Other speakers, such as Mr. Evans Datsomor from the Department of Gender, also emphasized the need for greater female participation in STEM. He urged young women to break through stereotypes and pursue careers in science and technology, highlighting the many opportunities available to them in these fields. He called on parents and educators to support girls in exploring STEM pathways and overcoming societal barriers.
Mrs. Esther Yeboah-Adzi, Municipal Director of the Ghana Education Service in Ho, commended the FUTECH Kids program for complementing the formal education system and inspiring students to think creatively and critically. She expressed optimism about the program’s impact on the students’ future, stressing that STEM education was key to unlocking their potential.
The event was further enriched by presentations from the graduating students. Divided into groups, they showcased their newly acquired skills by presenting technological solutions to real-world problems. Their projects, which ranged from cybersecurity concepts to healthcare innovations, impressed the audience, showing the depth of learning and creativity fostered by the FUTECH program.
The launch of the FUTECH Project was another highlight of the day. Mr. Desmond Liel Kitsi, Executive Director of Genius IT Foundation, outlined the vision behind the initiative, which aims to close the STEM education gap in underprivileged communities. He explained that the FUTECH Project would provide students in the Volta Region with access to resources like the FUTECH Lab, FUTECH Club, and FUTECH TV, all designed to promote innovation and empower students with digital skills for the future.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates to the 27 graduates, each of whom had demonstrated outstanding commitment and progress throughout the program. A class representative, Blessing Adombila, delivered a heartfelt message of gratitude on behalf of her peers, reflecting on the life-changing experiences gained during their time in the program.
The FUTECH Kids Graduation 2024 was a celebration of academic achievement and a testament to the growing role of STEM education in shaping the future of young Ghanaians, especially those in underserved regions. The FUTECH Project continues to make strides in preparing the youth for a technology-driven future, setting the stage for a more inclusive and innovative Ghana.
