By Tilda Acorlor
The Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officer for the Young and Safe Project, Joanna Kwame, has encouraged parents to take advantage of the digital economy by allowing their children to participate in initiatives that introduce them to the digital world.
Miss Kwame made these remarks during a one-day Virtual Reality boot camp organized by the Young and Safe Project for adolescents in the Ho Municipality.
“The digital economy presents numerous opportunities. When there are chances for boot camps like this that introduce children to the digital world, parents should let their children participate. Ultimately, they will gain valuable knowledge and a better understanding of the digital economy,” Miss Kwame stated.
“Our goal is to introduce them to the fields of robotics and virtual reality. We hope to spark their interest and provide a general understanding of the benefits and opportunities available in these areas,” she added.
The Communications Officer of the Young and Safe Project, David Nkechi, explained that the impact of the boot camp “extends beyond just a one-day event.”
“We see Robotics and Virtual Reality Boot Camps as the initial step toward broader systemic change in the education sector,” he said.
Mr. Nkechi added that the program aims to empower adolescents to seek digital knowledge.
“By igniting curiosity and fostering a strong desire for knowledge, we aim to empower these young minds to demand and pursue a more comprehensive educational experience,” he added.
The Robotics and Virtual Reality Boot Camp is part of the Young and Safe Project, which is a component of the Healthy Cities for Adolescents program that aims to make the teaching and learning of science and history enjoyable for young people in Ho.
Using Virtual Reality headsets and robots, the program provides an immersive experience that sparks curiosity and encourages active participation among the students.
Over 50 adolescents aged 13–17 from various communities and Junior High Schools in the Ho Municipality participated in the boot camp, which was facilitated by Felix Sam Nanor, a Robotics and Data Science Specialist.
Mr. Nanor introduced participants to robotics and virtual reality, covering topics such as the origin of robots and their features, along with practical sessions to understand various sensors and control systems.
Participants like Nayram, Ebenezer and Pearl shared their experiences, noting that they learned about robots operating in dangerous environments, their ability to save time and energy, and their machine-like endurance.
The Young and Safe Project is a comprehensive initiative aimed at transforming Ho into a youth-friendly city by enhancing the overall well-being and participation of young people. Through a series of targeted initiatives, the project seeks to address various aspects of youth empowerment, including civic engagement, sexual and reproductive health education, mental health support, social well-being, digital employability, and strategic partnerships.
Young and Safe is implemented through collaborations between youth-led non-profit organizations, such as Node Eight and Love Aid Foundation, as well as government agencies, including the Ghana Education Service and Ho Municipal Assembly.
The Young and Safe Project is funded by Fondation Botnar as part of the Healthy Cities for Adolescents program and is managed by Ecorys.
