Empowering the Next Generation: TARD Ghana Celebrates International Youth Day with a Digital Literacy and STEM Workshop

In an inspiring celebration of International Youth Day, Tech Aid for Rural Development (TARD), a youth-led non-profit organization based in the Upper West Region of Ghana, collaborated with the National Youth Authority (NYA) and the Assembly Member for Kperisi Electoral Area, Hon. A. Walid Jnr, to host a transformative two-day workshop at Chegli Islamic Basic School. This event highlighted the critical role of youth in shaping a sustainable future, under the theme “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.”

The theme of this year’s International Youth Day resonated deeply with TARD Ghana’s mission to foster innovation and enhance rural education in the Upper West Region. In line with this mission, the workshop provided vital digital literacy and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) training to students from the Kperisi Electoral Area. The goal was clear: to equip the youth with essential skills to thrive in the digital age and contribute meaningfully to sustainable development.

Over the two days, students engaged in a series of interactive sessions that not only introduced them to fundamental digital skills but also encouraged critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. The workshop covered various topics, including basic computer operations, internet safety, coding, and the application of STEM concepts in real-world scenarios. By the end of the training, the students were not only more knowledgeable but also more confident in their ability to navigate the digital world.

The impact of the workshop was palpable. The enthusiastic participants, visibly elated, expressed their heartfelt gratitude to TARD Ghana and its partners. Many of the trainees, who had limited prior exposure to digital tools, were particularly excited about the new possibilities that these skills opened up for them. Their joy was summed up in their collective promise to build on this newfound knowledge to create a brighter future for themselves and their community.

Hon. A. Walid Jnr, the Assembly Member for Kperisi Electoral Area, conveyed the profound appreciation of the local community. Speaking on behalf of the Chief, elders, and the people of Chegli, he commended TARD Ghana and the National Youth Authority for their unwavering commitment to empowering the youth and bridging the digital divide in underserved communities.

“On behalf of the chief, elders, our determined school children, and the entire people of Chegli, I say thank youso much for such an impactful programme brought to our doorstep,” Hon. Walid Jnr stated. “We look forward to many more such initiatives from you and your partners. In fact, words can’t describe our gratitude to Tech Aid for Rural Development (TARD) and the National Youth Authority – UWR. Continue impacting lives and changing the dynamics. The underserved population indeed needs your presence and services to bridge the widened difference.”

The workshop’s success underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing educational inequalities and ensuring that no child is left behind in the digital revolution. As TARD Ghana and its partners continue to spearhead such initiatives, the future looks brighter for the youth of the Upper West Region and beyond.