Computer labs, libraries for 5 orphanages, schools

Five schools and orphanages have benefited from computer laboratories and libraries donated by Students Bridging the Information Gap (SBIG), a United States-based non-governmental organisation (NGO) that supports students in less-developed countries.

They are the Baptist School Complex (BASCO Orphanage) at Trotor, near Suhum; the Good Shepherd Orphanage (GSO) at Kasoa; New Life International Children's Home (New Life) at Ansapatu near Cape Coast; and In My Father’s House (IMFH) orphanage at Akatsi-Abor in the Volta Region.

Latest beneficiary                                                                                                  

The latest beneficiary of SBIG’s support is the Offinso Children’s Centre and Blessed Child School in the Ashanti Region, which has received a computer laboratory and a modern library.

The computer laboratory will serve five schools and over 500 students in the Offinso district and has, among others, Internet accessibility and wireless networking.

The library also stocks over 3,200 books and can seat 25 readers at a time.

 The computer laboratory, library and accessories are  valued at $50,000, out of which the Amherst College (Massachusetts USA) men’s lacrosse team contributed about $28,000 raised from donors.

The computer laboratory was installed by TechAide, a Ghana-based ICT specialist, while Edison Chouest Offshore Ghana Limited also provided financial and other support.  Students and families from Delbarton School in Morristown, Lawrenceville School in Lawrenceville, and Calvary Episcopal Church in Summit, all in New Jersey, along with a New Jersey based charity, BooksbGone, donated the over 3,200 books for the library.

The facilities provided by SBIG and its strategic partners; including Microsoft Corporation, and Inveneo Computer Solutions, are used by about 2, 500 beneficiaries and cost $400,000.

Call for maintenance

Delivering his speech at the dedication of the facilities, Mr Abdella Banda, the Member of Parliament for the Offinso South Constituency, commended SBIG for the donation and encouraged the students and teachers to keep and maintain the facilities.

“We have to improve on our maintenance culture as a people. Students, please ensure that the facilities are well maintained for your own benefit so that others could also use those facilities”, he advised.

The Project Director and Founder of the Offinso Children’s Centre and Blessed Child School, Madam Mary Osei, thanked the donors for their support, and pledged to ensure the facilities were well maintained and put to good use.

Mr Tom Killian, President of the Board of Trustees of SBIG,  said computers had become an important aspect of life and expressed joy that the beneficiaries now had access to computers and reading materials to help prepare them to advance their education and prospects for work.