The Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development (AI4SD) project officially launched its RAIL robotics initiative at Achimota Basic School, aiming to equip students with skills for future careers in the digital age and contribute to the attainment of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4: Quality Education and Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
The AI4SD Responsible Artificial Lab (RAIL) robotics club initiative, funded by the French Embassy in Ghana and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), will foster interest in robotics and artificial intelligence among Ghana’s youth.
The AI4SD project lead, Prof. Jerry John Kponyo, in his address, emphasized the importance of preparing students for 21st-century jobs, particularly through initiatives like robotics.
“This particular initiative of reaching out to various Junior and Senior High Schools (SHS) to prepare you for 21st-century jobs is key to your future. We recognize that the future belongs to those who are able to harness the digital world, and as a continent, we have the advantage of having a very youthful population. The best we can do is ensure that we are securing our youth for the future,” he said.
Prof. Kponyo reassured Achimota Basic School, saying, “We want to assure you that, as far as it depends on us, we will provide everything you need to succeed with this initiative.”
Dr. Mrs. Eunice Akyereko Adjei, who doubles as the team lead for AI in education under AI4SD and the RAIL Women in Technology Officer, coordinated the event.
She inaugurated the club and highlighted the importance of integrating artificial intelligence into education to support sustainable development.
Dr. Kwame Oteng Gyasi, a member of AI in education under the AI4SD project, introduced the students to AI and ethics.
The students were also educated on the importance of robotics using Legos and block coding, while teachers had a practical experience of how to combine Legos and block coding.
Mrs. Bridget Dwumfour Boadu, Circuit Supervisor, made an appeal to expand the robotics club to other branches of the school.
“My appeal is that the RAIL robotics club should be enrolled in the other Achimota school branches because it’s very educative. When you’re abreast with AI, it reduces human errors, and I think it’s a very good gesture for the robotics club to come here and enroll the students,” she noted.
The Headmistress of Achimota basic school, Mrs. Edith Kyeremateng, during the inauguration, emphasized the global shift toward automation.
“We can’t be left out in this initiative. We need to move with the world, and we are fortunate to have this opportunity at such a tender age,” she added.
Mrs. Kyeremateng encouraged the first members of the club, noting, “Today, it’s just a club, but with time, we’re looking forward to a time when this will be part of the curriculum, and every child will have the opportunity to learn hands-on robotics. I encourage the first club members to put in all your best to ensure that you learn everything you need to know so you can train others,” she advised.
She added, “We’ll put in the best effort to ensure that, a year from now, we will be counted among the best robotics clubs in Ghana.”
Mr. Emmanuel Ankomah, Municipal STEM Coordinator, said, “The municipality is committed to providing guidance and support to the basic school.”
Rev. Maxwell Obeng, who represented the Parents Teachers Association (PTA), lauded AI4SD for the project and urged students to take full advantage of the opportunity.
“This is a great initiative; we encourage all students to engage fully and make the most of what is being offered,” the PTA representative said.