Students of Tamale Girls Senior High School (SHS) have expressed relief following the refurbishment and equipping of the school’s ICT laboratory with 70 computers.

The intervention is expected to address the challenge of inadequate computers, which previously forced as many as five students to share one computer during ICT lessons.

Speaking to Channel One  News, a student, Sahada Mohammed, said the situation previously limited students’ hands-on experience and access to the computers.

“The previous days when we came to the ICT lab, per computer, about four to five of us would be pairing it, while one controls it.”

She said the refurbishment has now provided students with individual access to computers, which she believes will improve practical learning and understanding of ICT.

The facility, refurbished and equipped by HORLAP Innovations in partnership with the Minister of Education’s Special Initiative in ICT, will improve teaching and learning.

Speaking at the handing-over ceremony, the Headmistress of Tamale Girls SHS, Aisha Asumah, expressed appreciation to the Minister of Education and HORLAP Innovations for the intervention.

She, however, appealed for further support to address infrastructure and resource challenges confronting the school.

Mrs Asumah said the school faces inadequate classroom and dormitory space and shortages of furniture and beds, as well as deteriorating buildings.

“The school is faced with numerous challenges, including classroom and dormitory space, a shortage of furniture and beds, deteriorating school buildings, leaking roofs, broken louvres, cracked walls and other structural defects caused by age and continuous use, which calls for urgent action.”

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of HORLAP Innovations, Kelvin Oduro Aboagye, urged the students to make full use of the computers and explore emerging areas of technology.

He encouraged them to go beyond basic computer applications to develop skills in coding, website and app development, artificial intelligence, robotics and cybersecurity.

“Do not use the computers only for typing or basic internet tasks but to explore coding, website and app development, AI, robotics and cybersecurity skills. A future software developer might emerge from here.”

He expressed confidence that the next generation of technology professionals could emerge from the school if students take advantage of the opportunities provided by the facility.