In recent weeks, students at four underserved schools in Ghana had their first hands-on encounter with artificial intelligence tools and digital technology.
These experiences sparked excitement and curiosity, and the students expressed eagerness to learn more and apply their new knowledge.
The initiative was led by Kweku Baidoo, a Ghanaian researcher, educator, and founder of RevoLabs, who is also an Assistant Teaching Professor at North Carolina State University in the United States. Together with his team, Ernest Adzesu, Desmond Kunjan, and Paul Addo, the initiative donated 20 laptop computers to four schools in underserved communities across Ghana.
The occasion drew principals, teachers, chiefs, community leaders, students, and local officials to ceremonies that represented more than a simple equipment donation. For many students, it was their first chance to engage directly with AI technologies shaping the future of education and work worldwide.
RevoLabs, a nonprofit initiative focused on expanding access to digital education and emerging technologies through its Uvarsity Open Access Program, says the project is part of a broader effort to expose students in underserved communities to technology, artificial intelligence, and future digital careers.
The first phase of donation ceremonies took place on May 21 at Abonyin Catholic D/A Model Basic School and Ekwamkrom Methodist JHS in Ghana’s Central Region. The second phase was completed on May 25 at Avornyo Basic School and Lekpongunor D/A Basic School in the Greater Accra Region. Coinciding with the 63rd African Union Day, the final handover ceremonies gained added continental significance, celebrating a future driven by African innovation.
“We want students to feel that they are part of the future of technology,” Baidoo said during one of the ceremonies. “Not only as users of digital tools, but as creators, innovators, and future problem-solvers.”
More than 200 students are expected to benefit directly from the donations and accompanying mentorship sessions focused on technology, digital careers, and the changing nature of work in an increasingly technology-driven economy.
For many beneficiary schools, access to functioning computers remains limited despite growing national discussions about digital education and AI integration. Teachers and community leaders described the donations as timely and necessary.
“We mostly teach theory in ICT education, so many students rarely get to interact directly with computers or gain practical experience,” one school representative said during the ceremony. “This donation will make ICT education more practical and hands-on. It opens their minds to possibilities they may never have imagined.”
Beyond donating devices and hosting the AI workshop, the initiative included conversations with students about technology careers, responsible AI use in learning, the importance of academic integrity and critical thinking when using digital tools, and the vital role of digital literacy in a rapidly changing world.
Kweku Baidoo said the initiative was designed not only to provide access to devices, but also to build confidence and exposure among students who are often left out of conversations around emerging technologies.
“Access is the first step, but exposure, mentorship, and digital confidence are equally important,” he said.
The devices were sourced with eWaste Warriors, an organization in Washington, D.C., focused on recovering and responsibly redistributing technology. Over the next few months, RevoLabs plans to donate more devices and introduce virtual reality headsets to the beneficiary schools. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to expand students’ exposure to emerging digital tools and immersive learning experiences, with further support phases scheduled throughout the academic year.
Kweku Baidoo, whose research focuses on Human-AI Interaction, Trust-Centered Experience Design, and AI-Decision Support Systems in high-stakes environments, said the initiative grew from his personal experiences. Having faced challenges during his own design education due to limited access to personal devices, he believes students in underserved communities should not be left behind as technology reshapes economies and opportunities worldwide.
“Many students still lack access to the basic tools needed to participate in the digital economy,” he said. “We want to help bridge that gap early.”
RevoLabs is also developing UVarsity, an AI-powered learning platform designed to help students explore career pathways and build future-ready digital skills through mentorship, learning resources, and guided technology education.
As Ghana continues to expand its digital education ambitions, initiatives like these highlight the growing role diaspora-led efforts are playing in widening access to technology and digital opportunities for students in underserved communities.
