Kwame Adu-Manu
MTN Ghana has joined forces with Thrive & Shine LBG, a nonprofit organisation focused on promoting STEM education, to help bridge the digital divide affecting university students in Ghana.
The initiative supports the first cohort of students benefiting from Thrive and Shine’s scholarship programme, which includes participants from major universities across the country.
MTN’s Manager of Digital Analytics and Reporting, Kwame Adu-Manu, highlighted that one of the primary objectives of this partnership is to offer mentoring and internship opportunities to these scholars.
He noted that students will have the chance to work in key areas such as Digital Analytics and Monetisation, where they will engage with machine learning and AI solutions that can positively impact Ghanaians.
Mr. Adu-Manu also emphasised MTN’s commitment to narrowing the digital gender gap by connecting female students with women professionals in the digital technology sector, encouraging more women to pursue STEM fields.
He announced plans for workshops and capacity-building programmes aimed at enhancing the digital and AI literacy of these students.
He encouraged individuals with digital skills to volunteer with Thrive & Shine to help impart their knowledge to the next generation.
Co-founder of Thrive & Shine, Yvonne Dumor Boakye-Manu, explained that her organisation identified a significant gap in STEM education and AI literacy, prompting the launch of this scholarship initiative.
The goal is to support underprivileged individuals in achieving their aspirations for a STEM education, which might otherwise be hindered by financial constraints.
“We strive to make a difference as individuals, but our impact is limited. By formalising our efforts through this scholarship, we can expand our reach and collaborate with organisations like MTN and Mastercard,” she stated.
Senior Education Specialist at the World Bank, Eunice Ackwerh, underscored the critical need for digital inclusion. She remarked, “If we neglect parts of our population, we risk leaving them behind in essential aspects of life and communication.”
Madam Ackwerh also stressed the importance of preparing young people for a future where most jobs will demand advanced digital skills. “It’s vital that they are ready for this evolving landscape,” she added.
National Coordinator of the Ghana National Education Campaign Coalition (GNECC), Bernice Mpere-Gyekye, pointed out that artificial intelligence is now integral to daily life and significantly impacts sectors such as education and government. She expressed concern about ensuring that no one is excluded from this technological evolution.