This benevolent gesture comes on the back of an August 2023 visit by Prof. Robert Jeffery Chaskin, the Director of the Susan and Richard Kiphart Center for Global Health and Social Development (KCGHSD) at the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice of the University of Chicago and Dr. Alexander K. Eduful, the Director of FASUL and the field team, to TTU's Center.
During the visit, Prof. Mrs. Gladys Ama Quartey, the former Director of the Center for Gender and Advocacy (CEGENDA) expressed concern about escalating rate of teenage pregnancies and subsequent increase in female school drop-outs in the Takoradi metropolis and the role CEGENDA is playing to stem the problem. FASUL, whose mission amongst others includes championing the cause of young women, female entrepreneurs, out-of-school females, and other marginalized individuals, identified with CEGENDA's work. The donation was therefore a response to a request by Prof. Quartey.
Recognizing the importance of digital skills in today's world, the CEGENDA aspires to provide relevant training to empower young women for gainful employment. Over time, the Center has implemented various strategies to equip young women with diverse computer skills essential for their future development. However, the lack of adequate resources, particularly computers, has hindered the full realization of their initiatives.
In response to the center's passionate appeal for support, FASUL acknowledged that addressing this challenge aligns with its over-arching vision of ‘supporting families to develop the of child'. Subsequently, FASUL proposed donating 10 new computers to the Center for Gender and Advocacy at Takoradi Technical University to its Chicago partners, namely the Kiphart Foundation and the Center for Global Health (CGH) of the Biological Sciences Division of the University of Chicago in its 2023/24 project year proposal, which was graciously approved by the partners.
On the Friday, 2nd February, 2024, led by the Director, Dr Alexander K. Eduful, FASUL made the donation to the Center at a short ceremony at TTU. Speaking during the presentation, Dr. Eduful said they are moved to donate the computers due to CEGENDA’s solution-based approach to support underserved communities and children, which clearly aligns with FASUL's objectives. He added that FASUL has three thematic areas of focus including creating access to education, water and sanitation as well as health interventions that improve the quality of life of people. He intimated further that, with the establishment of the KCGHSD at the Crown School, the Kiphart Foundation seeks to deepen and expand collaboration with academic institutions such as TTU.
Dr. Gabriel Sam, the Director of Finance of TTU who represented the Vice Chancellor and received the donation, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the former Director of CEGENDA for the goodwill left and FASUL for their immense supports, adding that computers donated will not only support the center but will go a long way to help teaching and learning in TTU. The envisioned impact of this collaboration is significant – creating opportunities to fostering self-reliance, and ensuring sustainability of the project. Further, the donation illustrates a meaningful step towards bridging the digital divide and empowering young women to navigate a path of empowerment, education, and self-sufficiency. It does not only exemplify FASUL and partners' dedication to their mission and vision, but also signifies a collective effort to uplifting communities by investing in the potential of every individual, irrespective of their circumstances. The 10 computers represent more than just technology; they symbolize a brighter future and a commitment to fostering positive change through education and empowerment. These are ideals espoused within the Kiphart Foundation in Chicago and resonates in the walls of FASUL's Ghana offices. Well done! To FASUL and the Chicago partners.
