The Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development (AI4SD) project has launched its RAIL Robotics initiative at Agotime Akuetteh D/A Basic School in the Volta Region, aiming to bring Artificial Intelligence (AI) education to the forefront of basic education.
Agotime Akuetteh D/A Basic School is one of six schools in the Volta Region selected to benefit from the AI4SD RAIL Robotics Club initiative.
Photograph of some of the elementary school children
The AI4SD Responsible Artificial Lab (RAIL) Robotics Club initiative, funded by the French Embassy in Ghana and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), is designed to introduce students to the practical applications of AI and robotics.
The program, supported by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), International Development Research Center (IDRC) and the Artificial Intelligence for Development (AI4D) implemented in several schools across the country, is part of a broader effort to equip students with the skills necessary to succeed in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
Some of the participants
During the launch, Project Lead Prof. Jerry John Kponyo highlighted the importance of quality education in shaping the global economy.
He emphasized the central role that emerging technologies, especially AI, play in economic development.
“Education plays a key role in the global economy.
The future belongs to those who have a hold on their mastery of AI.
As part of this effort, we are working to build AI and robotics clubs in schools to ensure that we are preparing students to use AI to transform our economies,” Prof. Kponyo said in his speech.
AI4SD Project Lead, Prof. Jerry John Kponyo
Prof. Kponyo further stressed the need for collaboration to achieve the goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), acknowledging that such a significant project requires the support of various institutions.
“We cannot do this alone, it is important to partner with other institutions to meet the SDGs.
We deeply appreciate the leadership of Agotime Akuetteh D/A Basic School for opening its doors to this initiative,” he noted.
Dr. Mrs. Eunice Akyereko Adjei, the AI in Education lead for AI4SD and the RAIL Women in Technology Officer, advised the parents to support the student’s interest in robotics by encouraging them to utilize their free time to practice robotics and apply it to solving farming challenges.
Dr. Mrs. Eunice Akyereko Adjei, AI in Education Lead
She officially inaugurated the RAIL Robotics Club, underscoring the importance of integrating AI into education to support sustainable development.
The Headmistress of Agotime Akuetteh D/A Basic School, Mrs. Margaret Ameho, expressed full support for the program.
Headmaster of Agotime Akuetteh D/A Basic School, Mrs. Margaret Ameho
“We have to embrace and support this project with our actions
“The challenge is now with you, the students, to make the most of this opportunity.
We are also willing to share this knowledge with other schools in the district and offer orientation to teachers.,” he said.
Chiefs from the local community attended the event, including Regent Akatsi Stephen from Segbale and Sorhefia Jacob from Akuetteh, both expressing their pleasure in having the team visit the community.
Photograph of AI4SD RAIL Robotics team, Chiefs and STMIE Coordinators from the district
The event was attended by key figures from the Agotime Ziope District, including the STMIE coordinator, Darlington Dodzi Nutor, Circuit Supervisors, Dorgbetor Maxwell, James Agbokpa, and Akotia Addison, were also present and supported the initiative.
Students from Bethel Academy School and Mangotideke Methodist Basic School were also present at the inauguration of the RAIL Robotics initiative.
Mr. Cephas Kwamihene, a retired educationalist, commended the initiative.
Mr. Mr. Cephas Kwamihene, a retired educationalist
“We appreciate those who organized the RAIL Robotics Club, and we are grateful for being selected as one of the beneficiary schools
We hope that this project will help our students solve daily problems in our district, region, and the country.
Artificial intelligence is the way to go, and this club will offer practical experience for our students,” he added.
Dr. Kwame Oteng Gyasi, the lead trainer for AI4SD RAIL Robotics Club, introduced the students to the basics of AI and ethics.
Students learned about robotics through hands-on activities using Legos and block coding.
Dr. Kwame Oteng Gyasi, the lead trainer for AI4SD RAIL Robotics Club
Teachers also participated in practical sessions, learning how to integrate these tools into their teaching practices.
Dr. Kwame Oteng Gyasi introducing students to robotics
The RAIL Robotics initiative represents a significant step towards incorporating AI into education at the basic level, preparing students for the future of work and technological innovation.
