Under the Employee Volunteerism Programme (EVP), Telecel Ghana Foundation has handed over a refurbished and equipped 20-unit ICT laboratory to the Asikuma community, amid excitement and cultural display.

The project, led by the Legal, External Affairs and Finance teams, was selected under the annual Employee Volunteerism Programme (Red Hearts), which empowers staff to pitch, co-fund and implement community development initiatives.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Director of External Affairs at Telecel Ghana, Komla Buami, urged students, teachers and the wider school community to embrace the opportunities the facility offers.

"This ICT laboratory is a gateway to knowledge, innovation and opportunity. My three requests are simple: use it, protect it and grow with it. Let students make full use of this facility, let it be carefully maintained for future generations, and let our teachers continue building their own digital skills so they can prepare every learner to succeed in today’s digital world.”

Beyond the Telecel Ghana Foundation's seed funding, employees raised additional funds through internal crowdfunding to renovate the facility and equip it with computers, furniture and internet connectivity.

Head of Foundation, Sustainability and External Communications at Telecel Ghana, Rita Agyeiwaa Rockson, said the project embodies the spirit of the Foundation's Red Hearts initiative by placing employees at the centre of positive community transformation.

"Red Hearts is about empowering our people to become changemakers. This project shows what is possible when employees identify a community need, mobilise support and work together to deliver lasting impact. We hope this laboratory inspires students to dream bigger, explore technology and unlock their full potential," Ms Rockson said.

Receiving the facility on behalf of the school, the headmistress, Madam Regina Ayikpa said the computer lab will change the appalling way students learn ICT in the school through theory.

"The lab will give them practical exposure to technology and help them in their digital learning. The students will be equipped to participate in the current digital economy, and they can take advantage of digital work opportunities in the future.”

The Chief of Asikuma Traditional Area, Nana Abuko Kofi I, commended Telecel Ghana’s benevolent employees for the ICT lab that will improve digital education and promised the community will maintain the equipment.

“I am so grateful because I know the relevance of computers and digital education and how this lab will improve student performance. We will protect the devices and ensure they are all maintained,” he said. “Telecel deserves an office in Asikuma, and I will switch to your network for this positive deed.”

Speaking on behalf of her colleagues, Basic 6 pupil Jessica Avagah said the laboratory would help pupils understand ICT better through practice.

“The new computer lab will make practical lessons easier, faster and easier. We will learn how to type and get information online for our class topics. Thank you for the computers as it will make our future brighter,” she said.

This year, the Asikuma ICT Laboratory is the second project delivered under Telecel Ghana Foundation's Red Hearts. In May, employees handed over a renovated, connected and fully equipped 30-seater ICT Lab to the Akim Achiase district.

Red Hearts reflect Telecel Ghana Foundation's commitment to improving access to quality digital education and healthcare delivery and encouraging employees to drive meaningful social impact in communities across Ghana.