From 1 Laptop to 30 Computers: Rotary Club of Accra-Legon Transforms ICT Education for 900 Pupils

By Raymond Awiagah

A School Struggling to Teach ICT in the Digital Age

For years, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) lessons at New Legon ADMA Model Primary and Junior High School in Accra came with a challenge that many would find difficult to imagine.

More than 900 pupils, comprising about 600 primary school pupils and 300 junior high school students, had no ICT laboratory for practical lessons.

Instead, much of the teaching relied on a single laptop belonging to the school’s ICT teacher.

School authorities say the situation made practical ICT instruction extremely difficult, limiting students’ exposure to hands-on computer education despite the growing importance of digital skills in today’s world.

Infrastructure Challenges Beyond the Classroom

The ICT challenge is only one of several issues confronting the school.

Located in the New Legon enclave within the Adenta Municipality, the school is the only government basic school serving the community.

However, its location presents unique challenges.

School authorities say movement to and from the school becomes difficult during heavy rains due to flooding and the poor state of a bridge that connects parts of the community to the school.

When rainfall intensifies, access to the school can become nearly impossible, disrupting teaching and learning activities.

Despite these difficulties, the school continues to serve hundreds of pupils from the surrounding community.

A Bigger ICT Challenge Across Adenta Municipality

The situation at New Legon ADMA Model School reflects a wider challenge facing many public schools within the Adenta Municipality.

The Head of the Monitoring and Supervision Unit at the Adenta Municipal Education Directorate, Mrs. Charlotte Asare-Nyarko, says access to ICT facilities remains limited despite the increasing importance of computing education.

According to her, only six out of the municipality’s 35 basic schools currently have ICT laboratories.

With computing now forming an essential part of education, she believes every child should have the opportunity to gain practical digital skills.

Mrs. Asarenyako described the new ICT laboratory as a boost for teaching and learning and expressed hope that similar interventions would be extended to other schools facing the same challenge.

A Turning Point for New Legon ADMA Model School

For the Headmistress of the school, Mrs. Vincentia Esi Fiakpornu, the commissioning of the new ICT laboratory marks a major milestone.

She explained that the absence of computers had made practical lessons difficult for both teachers and learners.

According to her, students often depended on demonstrations instead of direct interaction with computers, making it challenging to fully appreciate concepts taught in class.

Mrs. Esi Fiakpornu believes the new facility will improve the quality of ICT education, enhance learning outcomes and equip pupils with practical skills needed for the future.

She also expressed appreciation to the Rotary Club of Accra-Legon for responding to one of the school’s most pressing educational needs.

How Rotary Club of Accra-Legon Stepped In

The intervention came after the Rotary Club of Accra-Legon identified the school’s ICT needs through its community assessment process.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, President of the club, Rotarian Delasie Dogbey, said the project was inspired by the reality that hundreds of students were relying on a single laptop for ICT instruction.

“Imagine a number of students and one ICT teacher using his laptop to teach. That is not what we want the future to experience,” he said.

According to him, the project was initiated by Past President Jadin and pursued consistently over time until it became a reality.

“Education is very important to us. That’s why we started this project and remained committed to ensuring it was delivered. We believe the future starts today,” he stated.

Rotarian Dogbey explained that Rotary’s projects are driven by community needs and long-term impact.

“One of the things we do as Rotarians is to assess the need. Once there is a need, you will find a Rotarian. We selected this school because the need was clear and the school demonstrated that this project would make a real impact.”

The newly commissioned 30-unit ICT laboratory is expected to provide practical computing education to more than 900 learners at the school.

Beyond a Donation: A Commitment to Sustainable Development

For the Rotary Club of Accra-Legon, the project does not end with the commissioning of the laboratory.

Rotarian Dogbey says the club is already assessing other needs within the school and exploring opportunities for further support.

“We are looking around to identify other needs. Once we assess them, we will include them in our budget and do our best to address them. Sustainability is important to us,” he said.

He also commended members of the Rotary Club of Accra-Legon, the club’s board and Rotary District leadership for their support in ensuring the successful completion of the project.

Opening Doors to the Future

For the more than 900 pupils of New Legon ADMA Model Primary and Junior High School, the new ICT laboratory represents more than a room filled with computers.

It is an opportunity to gain practical digital skills, improve learning experiences and prepare for a future increasingly shaped by technology.

The project also highlights the role development partners can play in addressing educational challenges and supporting public schools where resources remain limited.

As the Rotary Club of Accra-Legon looks beyond the laboratory toward future interventions, the school’s latest addition is an indication that meaningful change often begins when institutions choose to respond to real community needs.