UG'S FIRST FEMALE VICE-CHANCELLOR LEADS DIGITALISATION DRIVE: ONE STUDENT ONE LAPTOP (1S1L) INITIATIVE: MAKE YOUR DONATION NOW!

Story by: Samuel K. Owusu

Kindly Click To Donate: https://sts.ug.edu.gh/apps/givetoug/#/

On October 26, 2021, the University of Ghana, inducted Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo as its first female Vice-Chancellor. During the ceremony, she shared her vision to "create a culture that promotes research, teaching and learning, administrative processes and extension activities driven by technology and anchored in humanism".

A group photograph between University Officials, Donors, and the First batch of students who benefited from the VC's One Student One Laptop (1S1L). The ceremony was held on 25th August 2022 at the Cedi Conference Centre, Legon

Prof Nana Aba has noted that people (students, staff) are the core of the general operations of the University and thus stated her commitment to enhancing stakeholder experience through digitalisation.

Kindly Click To Watch The Video On The VC's Programme for Enhancing the UG Student Experience through Digitalisation: https://youtu.be/Nanzwxyv1Jc

As part of efforts to realise her vision of enhancing stakeholder experience through digitalisation, the Vice-Chancellor has identified some projects which are expected to culminate in the enhanced experience of students and other stakeholders such as faculty and staff, through the following three-pronged technology-driven initiatives:

Classroom Modernisation
One Student One Laptop (1S1L)
Hot-spot Comfort Zones

To achieve the aspiration of the Vice-Chancellor, a committee was set up on February 25, 2022, to spearhead fundraising activities aimed at generating support, in cash and kind, towards realising these initiatives. The Committee has developed this concept note to seek project funding support, with the overarching aim of :

Expanding and modernising lecture halls and updating them to deliver inclusive learning spaces that utilise technology
Providing free laptops for needy students and affordable laptops with flexible payment plans for non-needy students, faculty and staff, and
Providing designated areas around the University campus equipped with Wi-Fi and other digital technologies where students can sit/unwind/debate in between classes to make the best use of their free periods.

MORE ABOUT ONE STUDENT ONE LAPTOP (1S1L)

At the height of the pandemic when most lectures were held online/virtually, it was noted that significant numbers of students had no laptops and as such had difficulties participating fully in virtual classes, online discussions and related academic activities.

Considering that the deployment of digital technologies in higher education has gained momentum in recent times and proven to be capable of delivering positive educational outcomes, it is imperative that students in general and needy students, in particular, are supported as the University seeks to build an inclusive community.

The 1S1L is aimed at providing affordable computers for students and staff and free laptops for needy students to help students fully adapt to the changes in education delivery and learning while having access to the required resources to facilitate effective teaching, learning and research.

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES

The ‘One Student One Laptop Initiative’ seeks to employ innovative mechanisms to equip students and staff of the University with affordable and free laptops/handheld devices through partnerships with established Information Technology (IT) companies to enhance teaching and learning and reduce the digital divide. In line with this objective, the project has been designed to explore mechanisms and channels that would help secure free laptops for students who cannot afford them.

To determine the most efficient channels for acquiring laptops for the University Community, four target groups and proposed distribution strategies have been considered. These include;

Students not requiring financial aid (provision of laptops at discounted prices)
Needy students (donation of free laptops)
Staff/faculty (provision of laptops through hire purchase agreements)
Institutional purchases of (tax waivers to reduce the cost of laptops)

The University will also pursue the path of establishing an assembling plant on campus and entering contractual agreements for acquisition vis-à-vis repayment plans, insurance, warranties, etc. to make the required number of laptops available for distribution.

It is estimated that 6;000 needy students would require assistance to own a laptop. Based on these estimates and with the average cost of a laptop pegged between GH₵ 2,625 - GH₵ 3,000. The total amount of money that needs to be raised is about GH₵ 16,875,000. The University is therefore calling on alumni, philanthropists and corporate bodies to contribute in cash or kind towards the realisation of these amounts

FUNDRAISING

Management of the University of Ghana intends to finance the project with funds raised from donors or partners from within and outside of the University including corporate bodies. Specifically, the fundraising will target the following set of donors:

The University of Ghana and the Units within it
Individual Employees within the University
Corporate Partners
Individual Donors Outside of the University
District/Municipal Assemblies and other government agencies

BENEFITS TO PARTNERS

Individuals and organisations that contribute to the projects will have the following options for recognition:

Remaining anonymous
Being recognised on an honour roll
Branding space in the facilities
Naming privileges for the facilities, or
Other forms of recognition could be negotiated.

PROJECT ESTIMATES

NO. Project Quantity Estimated Cost Unit Price (GH₵) Total (GH₵)

One Student One Laptop 6;000 2,625 - 3,000 16,875,000

To offer support for this noble cause, kindly contact:

Ms Victoria A. Anim

Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (ASA)
Telephone: 030 288 6958
Email: pvc@ug.edu.gh

Ms Joy Lamptey

Office of Institutional Advancement
Telephone: 0555545768
Email: oia@ug.edu.gh

I am honoured to acknowledge and appreciate Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo for her visionary leadership in introducing the One Student One Laptop (1S1L) initiative, which has had a significant impact on the lives of the students. The provision of laptops has made learning more accessible, interactive, and convenient for students, thereby enhancing their academic performance

However, it is crucial to note that sustaining this initiative will require continuous support from individuals, corporate institutions, and other stakeholders. As such, I appeal to all well-meaning individuals, philanthropists, and organizations to support this noble cause by donating laptops, providing financial support, or other resources.

Through our collective efforts, we can ensure that every student has access to the tools they need to excel in their academic pursuits and beyond. Investing in education is investing in the future of our nation, and supporting the One Student One Laptop (1S1L) initiative is a step in the right direction.

In conclusion, I urge everyone to join hands in supporting this laudable initiative initiated by Prof Nana Aba Appiah Amfo. Together, we can help bridge the digital divide and create a brighter future for our students.

I would like to express my gratitude to all the individuals, corporate institutions, and organizations who generously donated in kind and in cash to support this cause. Your contribution has made a significant impact and has helped the students to achieve their goals. Your support and commitment to the cause are highly appreciated, and the University will continue to rely on your kind donations to help those in need. Once again, thank you for your generosity and kindness.

#UGIS75

#IntegriProcedamus

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