Activa Insurance helps training with ICT lab donation to Korle Gonno Community Library – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

In a significant move to strengthen digital education and bridge the technology gap in underserved communities, Activa International Insurance Ghana, through its Activa Group Foundation, has donated a state-of-the-art eight-seater Information and Communication Technology (ICT) laboratory to the Korle Gonno Community Library in Accra. This donation, made as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy, aims to empower the next generation with essential digital skills and improve learning outcomes in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects. With over 5,600 school-aged children in the area, this initiative is set to make a tangible impact on digital literacy and educational access in the Korle Gonno community.

Key Points

Background

The Role of Activa International Insurance Ghana

Activa International Insurance Ghana is one of the leading general business insurance companies in the country. A subsidiary of Activa Group, the company operates with a strong commitment to community development and sustainable impact. Recognizing that education is a cornerstone of economic growth and social stability, Activa established the Activa Group Foundation to formalize and expand its corporate social responsibility efforts. The foundation focuses on high-impact initiatives in education, health, and community empowerment, targeting vulnerable populations and under-resourced areas.

The Korle Gonno Community Library

The Korle Gonno Community Library serves as a vital educational hub for one of Accra’s densely populated neighborhoods. With a growing number of school-aged children and limited access to modern learning tools, the library has become a focal point for community-driven educational support. The donation of an ICT lab transforms its capacity to deliver quality education and digital skills training, aligning with national goals to integrate technology into basic education.

Why ICT Labs Matter in Ghanaian Education

In recent years, the Ghanaian government has prioritized STEM education as a key driver of socio-economic development. However, many public schools and community centers lack the infrastructure to deliver effective ICT instruction. According to UNESCO, access to computers and the internet remains uneven across regions, particularly in low-income urban and rural communities. ICT labs in libraries and schools help close this gap by providing safe, supervised environments where students can develop digital literacy skills essential for academic success and future employment.

Analysis

Addressing the Digital Divide

The digital divide in Ghana is not just a rural-urban issue; it also exists within urban centers where informal settlements and low-income neighborhoods often lack access to modern technology. The Korle Gonno donation directly addresses this challenge by providing a shared resource that benefits multiple schools and community members. Unlike school-based labs that may be restricted to enrolled students, community library labs are often more accessible to out-of-school youth and adult learners, amplifying their social impact.

STEM Education and Future Workforce Readiness

By equipping the lab with GES-approved software tailored to the national curriculum, the donation ensures relevance and alignment with classroom learning. This integration supports blended learning models, where digital tools complement traditional teaching methods. Moreover, early exposure to computers and STEM concepts helps demystify technology and encourages more students—especially girls—to consider careers in tech, engineering, and science fields where representation remains a challenge.

Corporate Social Responsibility as a Sustainable Strategy

Activa’s approach reflects a shift from one-off charity donations to strategic CSR—where initiatives are designed for long-term impact and scalability. The foundation’s previous projects, including clean water access and entrepreneurship support, demonstrate a holistic understanding of community development. By investing in education, water, and economic empowerment, Activa addresses interconnected challenges that hinder progress in underserved areas.

Community Ownership and Sustainability

For ICT lab donations to be successful, sustainability is critical. This includes technical maintenance, internet connectivity, trained personnel, and community engagement. While the article does not detail maintenance plans, the involvement of the library and local schools suggests a collaborative model that can enhance ownership and accountability. Future success will depend on partnerships with educators, local authorities, and possibly ongoing support from the foundation for training and upgrades.

Practical Advice

For Schools and Communities Seeking ICT Support

1. Document Needs Clearly: Prepare a detailed proposal outlining student population, current ICT access, and expected impact. Include how the lab will be used and maintained.
2. Engage Local Stakeholders: Involve parent-teacher associations, community leaders, and local government to build consensus and support.
3. Align with National Standards: Ensure any donated equipment or software complies with GES guidelines to maximize educational value.
4. Plan for Sustainability: Identify staff for lab management, budget for electricity and internet, and explore partnerships for technical support.
5. Approach Potential Sponsors: Research companies with active CSR programs in education. Tailor proposals to their mission and values, as Activa focuses on empowerment and long-term impact.

For Businesses Designing CSR Programs

1. Focus on Measurable Impact: Set clear goals and evaluation metrics, such as number of students trained or improvement in digital literacy scores.
2. Collaborate with Experts: Partner with educational institutions, NGOs, or government agencies to design effective interventions.
3. Prioritize Local Relevance: Ensure projects address real community needs and respect local contexts.
4. Build Long-Term Engagement: Consider follow-up support, training workshops, or mentorship programs beyond initial donations.
5. Communicate Transparently: Share progress and challenges openly to build trust and encourage accountability.

FAQ

Conclusion

The donation of an eight-seater ICT lab by Activa International Insurance Ghana and the Activa Group Foundation to the Korle Gonno Community Library is a commendable step toward advancing digital inclusion and quality education in Ghana. By providing modern computers and curriculum-aligned software, this initiative directly supports STEM learning and digital literacy for thousands of children. More importantly, it reflects a strategic, sustainable approach to corporate social responsibility that goes beyond charity to foster long-term community empowerment. As Ghana continues to invest in its digital future, partnerships between the private sector, communities, and educators will be essential in ensuring no child is left behind in the technology revolution.