Friends of Adaklu (FoA), an educational Non- Governmental Organisation (NGO) operating in the Adaklu district of the Volta Region, is bridging the digital divide by donating and installing high-speed Starlink internet devices in schools in the area.
The initiative, which was launched in early 2025, provides beneficiary schools with equipment and one year of free data to enhance digital learning in underserved communities.
Five schools involving Adaklu Helekpe, Adaklu Anfoe, Adaklu Kordiabe, Adaklu Torda, and Adaklu Sofa in the district were on Monday, February 16, presented with the devices at Adaklu Helekpe bringing the total number of beneficiary schools to 13.
Mr Jerry Yao Ameko, the Adaklu District Chief Executive, at the handing over ceremony bemoaned the fallen standard of education in the district.
He said the district previously performed strongly in examinations, adding “we once occupied an enviable first position in the Basic Education Certificate Examination in the Volta for three consecutive years.”
The DCE said to help address the canker, several measures including “no reading, no promotion” would be taken.
He urged teachers and parents to play their roles effectively and efficiently to complement government’s huge investment in the education sector.
Mr Ameko who is also the Dean of Volta Region MDCEs, appealed to students in the district to rededicate themselves to their books, making them their best friends, to improve their academic performance.
He said the initiative was an opportunity for the students and entreated them to use it to their advantage.
The DCE was full of praise for FoA for such a life-changing initiative and appealed to them to continue collaborating with other stakeholders to improve the standard of education in the district.
Mr Robert Tornu, the Programmes and Policy Advisor of FoA, stated that the Programme was designed to deepen school’s digital skills, encourage self-tutoring, and foster global online collaboration.
He said, “It is a life-changing online education that enables schools to close learning gaps and accelerate student growth in english, mathematics, tests, computer prep and job skills.”
Mr Tornu disclosed that all students at the beneficiary schools would be linked individually to the Starlink app, which would enable them to learn individually.
He said lessons on learning upgrades were filled with songs, videos, games and rewards, with an added opportunity for pupils to have a sister school relationship with other schools and pupils.
Heads of the beneficiary schools pledged to put the app to good use by placing them at the disposal of the pupils and also help take good care of them to prolong their lifespan.
