Telecel Ghana Celebrates International Disability Day with STEM Training and Christmas Party
Christmas came early for students at the Demonstration School for the Deaf and the Akropong School for the Blind, as Telecel Ghana Foundation hosted a robotics training session and a Christmas party for over 600 students.
The event, held at the Demonstration School for the Deaf in Mampong – Akuapem on International Day of Persons with Disabilities, provided 100 Deaf students with hands-on experience in designing and building walking robots, understanding electrical sources for motion, and exploring the potential of artificial intelligence.
The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) training was facilitated by Mingo Foundation and Telecel’s Ladies in Technology group. Each participating student received a free robotic kit to continue their learning.
“With the STEM training, we want to ensure that students with disabilities are included in Ghana’s digital talent pipeline by giving them practical skills and the confidence to pursue opportunities in technology,” said Rita Agyeiwaa Rockson, Head of Foundation, Sustainability and External Communications at Telecel Ghana. “Beyond learning, we wanted to connect energies, celebrate the festive season and create beautiful memories together.”
Telecel’s Super Care team, dedicated to serving Deaf and hard-of-hearing customers, provided sign language interpretation throughout the STEM sessions and encouraged the students to consider careers in Ghana’s growing technology sector.
Following the training, a vibrant Christmas party took over the campus. Staff volunteers and teachers joined the students in celebration, with Santa handing out gifts of stationery, sweets, and adaptive toys. Talent competitions added to the festive atmosphere.
Setumte Ametewee, Headmaster of the Demonstration School for the Deaf, highlighted the initiative’s importance. “For too long, Deaf and Blind students have been relegated to the background, so this initiative is helpful because it gives them the hands-on and first-hand feel of how robotics and technology work,” he stated. “They rely a lot on what they see or feel to make meaning of the things around them; hence, the training and party euphoria are making them feel valued.”
Students expressed their excitement about the training. Makafui Ahiave, a final year junior high school student and the girls’ prefect, shared, “The STEM training was one of the exciting moments in my life, and it felt amazing learning about robotics. We learnt about how to put components of robotics together, and it has made me more skilful. I now have more interest in technology and would practise more with the robotics kit I have been given.”
Telecel Foundation explained that the initiative aligns with its Connected Learning pillar, demonstrating a continued commitment to supporting students with disabilities through education, technology, and community engagement. Last year, a similar robotics training session was held for Deaf students at the Tetteh Ocloo State School for the Deaf in Adjei Kojo.
Rachael Appenteng, Director of Human Resources at Telecel Ghana, emphasized the broader impact. “This is more than an annual observance for Telecel. It is part of our responsibility and our diversity and inclusion strategy to build a diversified talent pipeline to feed our industry,” she said. “It’s also all about showing these Deaf and Blind students that they belong in every work field, including technology, and I encourage other organisations to build an enabling and inclusive workforce.”
Image Source: MYJOYONLINE
