Photos and words by: Jon Lloyd @wanderinjon

Chants of “Akwaaba" greet volunteers as they arrive at the Abofra Foundation in Ogbojo, Ghana. “Akwaaba” is an Akan (Twi) word meaning “welcome" that symbolizes a gesture of acceptance and friendliness across Ghana.

The Abofra Foundation, a non-profit organization providing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) education to children, has strived to be a welcoming environment for both volunteers and students since its inception in 2016.

Kwasi Ampadu, the founder of the Abofra Foundation, says the organization is a window into his compassionate side. He holds a deep belief that every child in Ghana should have an equal opportunity to acquire basic computer training.

Growing up, Ampadu observed the emergence of technology around him but felt the educational system in Ghana had done little to progress the next generation into the digital world.

Although there's a growing desire to add computers to the classrooms, many schools in rural communities do not possess the infrastructure to support it. The infrastructure would have to ensure proper electrical wiring, adequate electrical supply, updated heating and cooling systems and better security. This is usually too expensive of a project for a school to take on.

“I found my way into computers through graphic and web design, but most of my skills are self-taught through internet resources. If I had earlier exposure and access to such technology, my career might have accelerated,” said Ampadu.

Throughout the past three years, over one hundred children have participated in the foundation's two programs, an after school computer skills workshop and an art program that encourages imagination and creativity.

“I can now build an HTML webpage,” said Miriam, one of the student participants. She's an active leader in the community and fosters shared learning, since a crucial part of developing new skills is also the ability to share them with others and support peers in growing.

While the computer school acted as a base to start the foundation, Ampadu realized that art would be a way of engaging young minds in a way that computers alone could not.

Ampadu beams, “This is a creative platform for children to express their innate capacity and ability.” His hope is that the afternoon computer program will inspire children to see their potential as future coders, I.T. administrators, system developers or even designers like himself.

With more hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge of computers and technology, the youth at Abofra are exposed to global and societal issues, which in turn gives them the opportunity to become young leaders and create change within their communities.

The Abofra Foundation is largely self-funded through the graphic design and website projects that Ampadu offers private clients. The majority of volunteers are connected to Abofra through AIESEC, a global organization dedicated to building youth leadership.

Currently, the team is fundraising for the creation of a new ICT /Art Project centre. The new building would include classrooms, a library, playing ground and extended accommodation halls for volunteers.

“Our limitation to serve more children is only restricted by the personal funds I put into the program. If I could engage more volunteers, we could exponentially increase the student numbers,” said Ampadu.

The foundation's goal is to continue growing in order to provide free computer education and art programs to every child in Ghana.

Visit the Abofra Foundation to learn more about their work and offer support for their ongoing projects and programmes.