Majority Leader in Parliament and Member for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, presented laptops to 25 teachers in a commendable move to enhance educational resources in his constituency.
The event, held in Parliament, underscored the critical need for modern tools in education, particularly in the era of artificial intelligence.
The beneficiaries are part of a group of teachers who were transferred out of the Effutu constituency before they benefited from the distribution of the laptops, which started sometime in 2019.
Another group of 80 teachers are expected to receive their share of the distribution on Friday at the Effutu Constituency.
During the presentation, Afenyo-Markin emphasized the challenges educators face without adequate technological support.
“Leadership is like being blindfolded, sent into the forest in the dead of night, and being asked to find your way back. You can come up with all the great ideas. You can be so educated, but if you don’t get the help… you will be left behind,” he said.
He reflected on his educational journey, noting the drastic changes in the technological landscape over the years.
“As recent as 2003, when I was at law school, I didn’t need a laptop. The lecturer would give you a handout, you’d go to the library, read, and then write your exam. But today, without a laptop, you cannot survive at all,” Afenyo-Markin remarked.
Addressing the teachers, he stressed the importance of utilizing these tools to enhance their teaching methods.
“Please make good use of it. Research and impart knowledge. Fortunately, today we have libraries all over, so you have the resources to tap into and educate the students,” he encouraged.
Afenyo-Markin also acknowledged the efforts of teachers who had been transferred during the distribution process, ensuring they would also benefit from the initiative.
He said, “Let’s do for our teachers who were transferred in the course of the distribution so that they can also enjoy the benefits thereof,” he added.
He thanked the teachers for their dedication and service, saying, “Thank you for coming. We want to help you to educate our kids. Your blessings are not just in heaven, you could get some material rewards,” Afenyo-Markin said, stressing the broader impact of their work on the future of education.
This initiative represents a significant step towards bridging the technological gap in education, empowering teachers with the necessary tools to keep pace with the rapidly evolving digital world.
Rejoice Arhin, one of the beneficiaries who spoke on behalf of the group thanked the MP and stressed the effort would soon make Effutu the ‘East Legon’ of the Central Region.
She promised the teachers would make good use of the laptops to impart knowledge to the students and pupils of Effutu and prepare them to contribute to the country’s development.