The Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development (AI4SD) SHECodes program was launched at Takoradi Technical University (TTU) to equip female engineering students with coding skills.
The program, funded by the French Embassy in Ghana and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and supported by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), International Development Research Center (IDRC) and the Artificial Intelligence for Development (AI4D),will provide female students with skills in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to prepare them for careers in the digital space.
Prof. Jerry John Kponyo, Project Lead for AI4SD, in his speech, noted that the SHECodes initiative is designed to ensure that graduates from tertiary institutions can code to solve developmental challenges.
Prof. Jerry John Kponyo, the AI4SD Project Lead.
He referred to a report from the World Economic Forum, stating that AI could create 97 million new jobs, while 85 million jobs will transition to roles related to AI.
Prof. Kponyo emphasized the importance of developing skills in Africa’s youthful population to avoid high youth unemployment.
A cross-section of participants.
He underscored that programs like SHECodes and robotics clubs are important in providing both academic knowledge and practical experience to students.
“If we don’t build the capacity of our youth and grant them the skills necessary for them to take up vacancies in the digital space, we will have a lot of unemployed youth.
It is the reason why we have come up with initiatives like the robotics clubs and SHECodes, to ensure that not only are our graduates able to solve differential equations and apply mathematical knowledge, but also have hands-on experience and are able to translate their knowledge of engineering into building things that are useful for the global market,” he said.
The project, rolled out in partnership with TTU Women in Engineering (WinE), will build confidence among female students, encouraging them to master technical skills and drive change in the tech market.
Photograph with some of the SHECodes club members and the AI4SD SHECodes team
The Pro Vice Chancellor of Takoradi Technical University (TTU), Prof. Victor Kweku Boandzie Micah, revealed the institution’s focus on providing equal opportunities for all students, regardless of gender.
He underscored the need to challenge stereotypes and ensure that women have the skills to succeed in engineering and technology.
Pro Vice Chancellor of Takoradi Technical University (TTU), Prof. Victor Kweku Boandzie Micah
“I’m excited to see the enthusiasm and dedication among our young ladies who are breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes in fields that are traditionally male dominated.
The university has always been committed in fostering an inclusive environment that encourages women to pursue careers in engineering and related disciplines,” Prof. Micah said
He added that, “I believe the SHECodes club will serve as a transformative platform designed to inspire and mentor our females with the skill, confidence and knowledge to excel in the dynamic role of technology and engineering”
Dr. Eunice Akyereko Adjei, Team Lead for AI in Education, spoke about the challenges women face in male-dominated fields such as AI and engineering.
She highlighted the role of the AI4SD project in addressing these challenges and promoting a more inclusive environment for women in technology.
Dr. Eunice Akyereko Adjei, Team Lead for AI in Education
Dr. Mrs. Martina Francisca Baidoo introduced the trainers of the club and officially inaugurated the SHECodes TTU chapter.
Dr. Mrs. Martina Francisca Baidoo, member of AI in Education
Dr. Andrew Selasi Agbemanu, Dr. Mrs. Esther Kyere Andoh- Aquah, Mr. Toufiq Musah and Mr. Kingsley Nunoo will be the trainers for the next 16 weeks after which students will be awarded certificates at the end of the practical training.
The trainers of the SHECodes program at TTU
Dr. Mrs. Esther Kyere Andoh-Aquah, the Women in Engineering (WinE) patroness at TTU praised the team for their prompt response in bringing the club to TTU after being contacted.
“We learned about the club and reached out to the team, asking them to come and train our female students in coding. The aim was to equip them with the skills to address developmental challenges and promote gender inclusivity by closing the gender gap and they responded quickly and positively,” she said.
Dr. Mrs. Esther Kyere Andoh-Aquah, WinE patroness
Mr. Musah Ibrahim introduced students to machine learning concepts, frameworks, and ethical issues in AI.
Mr. Musah Ibrahim educating the students on Machine Learning
The SHECodes training will officially start on February 8th at Takoradi Technical University (TTU).
Photograph with the Pro Vice Chancellor and the AI4SD SHECodes team
