Solar-powered computers for schools

The government is teaming up with providers of solar-powered computers for distribution to public basic schools throughout the country to enable students to study and be examined on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

The decision to use solar-powered computers is as a result of the lack of electricity in some public basic schools to power the computers for the study of ICT.

This, therefore, means that a number of BECE candidates do not write the ICT paper. 

A Deputy Minister of Education, Mr Alex Kyeremeh, who disclosed government’s plans to procure the solar-powered computers in an interview with the Junior Graphic, said as the government extended electricity to communities across the countries, ICT facilities would continue to be provided in schools to enable students to have access to them. 

Some 60,000 laptops have so far been distributed to schools under the Basic Schools Computerisation Project. In addition, 50,000 basic school teachers across the country have also benefited from ICT training.

The Basic School Computerisation Project was launched in 2011 with the aim of creating a platform to enhance students’  skills in ICT.

The initiative forms part of the e-school policy of the Ministry of Education which involves the use of ICT in teaching and learning at the basic education level.