Ecobank invests GH¢2.2 million in AI skills for 4 educational institutions

 Ecobank Ghana has invested about GH¢2.2 million in four educational institutions in Ghana to mark the bank’s flagship programme, ‘Eco­bank Day.’

Ecobank Day is the bank’s annual group-wide social impact initiative led by the Ecobank Foundation to give back to the communities where Ecobank op­erates, not just in Ghana but also across 32 other African countries.

Speaking on behalf of the Managing Director, Ecobank Ghana, Mrs Abena Osei-Poku, the Managing Director, Pan Africa Savings and Loans, Ms Emelia Atta-Fynn, said Ecobank Ghana over the years had made significant contributions through this initiative by mobilising their employees from Ecobank Ghana, Pan African Savings and Loans, EDC and E-Process International to engage in community devel­opment programmes across the country.

Ms Atta-Fynn stated that Ecobank Ghana PLC last year launched a 3-year programme with a global theme, ‘Transforming Africa through Education.’

“We focused on digital literacy and equipped 10,000 children with digital skills across our geograph­ical footprint in Africa,” she disclosed.

She indicated that the 2024 edition of Ecobank Day was built on the last year’s success with the theme ‘Ignite Learning through AI’ focusing on how AI could be harnessed in order to help im­prove the skills children in literacy, numeracy and digital literacy at the foundational learning levels.

Furthermore, she stressed that Artificial Intelligence (AI) had the potential to transform education, making it more personalised, accessible and effective than ever before.

“Take ChatGPT, for example, an AI tool that can provide instant feedback, personalised learning experiences, and even tutoring in various subjects. It is capable of adapting to individual learn­ing styles, helping students grasp complex concepts at their own pace, and offering support in areas where they may struggle.

This is just one example of how AI is transforming the edu­cational landscape, opening new doors for learners and teachers everywhere,” she emphasised.

Ms Atta-Fynn maintained that AI powered platforms could democratise learning, making high-quality resources available to students from all walks of life, and breaking down language barriers.

She again noted that AI could act as a virtual assistant for teachers taking over administrative tasks, analysing students’ perfor­mances, and helping to create engaging lesson plans.

Moreover, she expressed appreciation to the Ghana Code Club for the partnership and the support to offer free 6 months tu­ition, starting with Potter’s Village at Dodowa.

Addressing the students of Potter’s Village Home-Ghana, Ms Emelia Atta-Fynn urged them to learn to read, count, and write well as well as acquire digital skills as the world had become increasingly digital.

“I encourage you to make the most of the available AI-based educational tools as they can fuel your passion for reading, strength­ening your numeracy skills, and empowering you with digital skills.

Ecobank Ghana PLC, Pan African Savings and Loans, EDC, and E-Process International to­gether as Ecobank donated to Pot­ter’s Village ICT Laboratory which was refurbished last year and now converted to digital centre.

The Bank also donated free Internet connectivity, free tuition for 6 months on Web develop­ment, animation, robotics, and artificial intelligence, and finally, library furniture and supplementa­ry readers for upper primary and JHS students.

A similar presentation was made simultaneously at South Labone Girls Technical Institute in Accra.

“We are also cutting Sod today to begin the refurbishment of an ICT Lab each at Bishop Asua Catholic Basic School, Takora­di in the Western Region and 4 Garrison Educational Centre in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region,” she mentioned.

She then hinted that when the projects were completed, each of the institutions would be equipped with a digital centre, free Inter­net connectivity, free tuition for 6 months on Web development, animation, robotics and artificial intelligence as well as a wide range of supplementary readers for up­per primary and JHS students.

“We are investing about GH¢2.2 million in these four proj­ects in 2024 alone,” she disclosed.

The President of the Potter’s Village, Pastor Mrs Nana Ama Adu Owusu, said that the Eco­bank Day marked a significant step towards fulfilling a shared dream to equip the children with tools and skills that they need to thrive in the world increasingly driven by technology. —GNA