The Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development (AI4SD) project launched its Responsible Artificial Intelligence Lab (RAIL) robotics club at Avenor Senior High School (S.H.S), Dagmate M.A Junior High School (J.H.S) and Wlitey Junior High School (J.H.S) to promote STEM education.
The initiative, aims to introduce and mentor students to robotics and artificial intelligence (AI), is funded by the French Embassy in Ghana and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD).
AI4SD’s RAIL robotics club is designed to encourage students to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), while developing skills in creativity, innovation, and critical thinking.
Prof. Jerry John Kponyo, the project lead for AI4SD, spoke during the launch and highlighted the importance of the robotics club.
“The Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development (AI4SD) project and Responsible Artificial Intelligence Lab (RAIL) is focused on using AI to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). AI plays a role in achieving these goals, and it is important that we engage with students at the Junior and Senior High School level to spark their interest in STEM,” Prof. Kponyo said.
Dr. Mrs. Eunice Akyereko Adjei, the team lead for AI in Education under AI4SD, guided the students through the admission requirements for Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and officially inaugurated the RAIL Robotics Club.
Dr. Adjei urged students to set clear career goals, seek mentorship, and make the most of the opportunity to learn about artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics.
Dr. Kwame Oteng Gyasi, lead trainer for the RAIL Robotics Club, introduced students to AI and ethics.
A workshop for mentors of the RAIL Robotics Club was conducted, led by Dr. Kingsford Sarkodie Obeng Kwakye, a member of the AI in Education team.
The session provided mentors with the tools and knowledge to guide students in their exploration of AI and robotics.
Mr. Ayaana Umar Karim, Municipal Director of Education for Akatsi South Municipality, addressed the students, urging them to embrace robotics and innovation.
“Once you get yourself embedded in robotics, you become very creative and progressive in undertaking those tasks. It is becoming more market-driven; therefore, we want you all to embrace this program and join the robotics club. By joining the robotics club, you are learning about technology and becoming problem-solvers. The skills you acquire will help you in the job market,” he said, encouraging the students to fully engage in the learning process.
The Science, Technology, Mathematics, and Innovation Education (STMIE) Coordinator for the Volta Region, Rosemary Ahiadeke, emphasized the significance of introducing STEM education at the basic level for students.
According to her, “early exposure to STEM is crucial in preparing the next generation for the demands of the modern world, where technological skills are increasingly in high demand”.
During the launch of AI4SD’s RAIL Robotics Clubs in the Akatsi South District, the head teachers of the three participating schools pledged their support to ensure the success of the initiative.
Mr. Dogbatse Philip of Avenor Senior High School (S.H.S), Mr. Duho Barnabas Gumenu of Dagamate M.A Junior High School (J.H.S), and Mr. Akakpo John of Wlitey Junior High School (J.H.S) expressed their commitment to fostering a productive and engaging environment for their students.
Delivering her speech via zoom, Mama Adzorhlor III, the Queen Mother of Dagmate, thanked KNUST and the AI4SD RAIL team for their support in providing students, especially girls, with the opportunity to learn about AI and robotics.
Mama Adzorhlor called on communities to support girls in overcoming challenges like period poverty, ensuring that every girl has access to education in fields like AI and robotics.
“This is the future, and we must ensure that no girl is left behind,” she added.
The launch of the RAIL Robotics Club at Avenor S.H.S, Dagmate M.A J.H.S and Wlitey J.H.S marks the beginning of a new chapter for students in the Akatsi South Municipality in the Volta Region of Ghana.