MTN Ghana Foundation has cut sod to begin the construction of a GH¢1.9 million Robotics Lab for the Mamfe Methodist Girls Senior High School at Mamfe in the Eastern Region.
When completed, it will consist of a 100-seater hall, with partitions for an ICT centre and robotics practice area.
The Robotics Lab is expected to be completed within the next five months and fully furnished with computers, accessories, robotics tools, equipment, furniture, electrical equipment and internet service to provide conducive learning environment for the students.
The sod cutting ceremony forms part of MTN’s fulfilment of a promise made during MTN Ghana’s 25th anniversary celebrations in 2021.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTN Ghana, Selorm Adadevoh, stated that MTN decided to build a robotics laboratory because robotics has become very integral to socio-economic development globally.
He explained that the company decided to provide a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) robotics laboratory instead of providing a regular ICT centre because STEM is gradually becoming the rock on which development is being championed.
He said that as an institution, they believe that the project will help bridge the ICT divide that exists in this age of fast-changing trends and technology.
Adadevoh noted that the sod-cutting ceremony is a testament of MTN’s commitment to making lives brighter, and the completion of the laboratory will help meet the future skill set demand of the country’s development.
He stated that his outfit is confident that the laboratory will be a significant contribution to STEM education in the country.
The CEO added that the project falls in line with MTN’s intention of leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress.
He mentioned that it also embodies the mission of the Foundation to improve the quality of lives of people through appropriate and sustainable Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) interventions in communities where MTN operates.
He admonished the girls to take their lessons seriously and explore the opportunities that STEM brings.
“You are privileged to be in such an environment that is welcoming to these new innovative teaching and learning [ideas], and we are proud to be partnering,” he said.
The Deputy Minister for Education, Gifty Ampofo Twum, commended MTN Ghana Foundation for their immense contributions to Ghana’s education and for their commitment to equipping the school with a robotics centre.
She revealed that government is building 10 STEM Senior High Schools in addition to extensively restructuring many Senior High Schools (SHSs) across the nation with the necessary learning instruments in the laboratories and classrooms.
She therefore encouraged the contractor to work within the timelines so that the facility will be commissioned as scheduled.
Headmistress of Mamfe Methodist Girls SHS, Madam Winifred Siebu Arthur, expressed gratitude to MTN Ghana Foundation for their kind gesture and assured them that the school will make the most of the facility when completed.