CatchITYoung

Description: CatchITYoung is a platform and strategy to ensure youth empowerment, by developing youth readiness to promote quality and visible contributions to national development through the use of ICT tools. This is now being implemented in Ghana with other NGOs under the African Youth Initiative network. Basic Computer literacy with internet applications is key to overcoming the digital divide. It is designed to work with educators all over Ghana to develop Information Technology Clubs in primary and secondary schools.

Vision/Theme: To educate the youth about ICT and introduce them to the skills needed to prosper in the information economy. Young people should be at the forefront of global change and innovation. Empowered, they can be the key agents for development and peace. If, however, they are left on society's margins, all of us will be impoverished. Let us ensure that all young people have every opportunity to participate fully in the lives of their societies.

Rationale: Information and communications technologies have a key role to play in the development of human capacity particularly the youth—tomorrow’s leaders. The youth in Africa need to take the initiative in working to position Africa strategically in this era of globalization and free market economies.

Information Technology Clubs in Ghanaian primary and secondary schools complement conventional education curriculum and teach students how to use computers and the internet, increasing student performance. Ghana needs to develop its youth through strategic decision-making, policies formulation, program design and implementation, for the youth by the youth and of the youth--that will help Ghana and Africa bridge the digital divide. A united youth front backed by practical ICT tools for empowerment can make a tremendous difference in forwarding effective national development strategies when combined with readiness and a deeply held commitment to spearhead the revolution.

This opportunity was ripe when the United Nations General Assembly, on 21st December 2001 adopted a resolution (A/RES/56/183) which gave UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan the authority to hold the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS). The mission of WSIS is to develop a global framework to approach the challenges posed by theinformation society, and fully and equally take advantage of the opportunities it presents.

Project Design: Information Technology Clubs in Ghanaian primary and secondary schools complement conventional education curriculum and teach students how to use computers and the internet, increasing student performance.

Implementation: CatchITYoung will pilot with thirty (30) students each in both first and cycle schools with ten from each level i.e. ten (10) first year, ten (10) second year and ten (10) third year. In the second cycle, it will comprise a fair representation of students from all disciplines (Science, Business, Agriculture, Arts, Home Economics, Technical etc.). At both educational levels, respect for gender balance will be prominent to cater for equal inclusion of both sexes.

Curriculum and Content Development: Exercises and projects, radio and or television quiz programs will help evaluate, motivate and sustain competition, develop and expose talents whilst setting youth role models for the youth. Educational excursions for both members and patrons will be embarked upon to expose applications of ICT, network with IT professionals for mentorship to enhance performance, relate theory lessons to practical experience, etc.

1.	To inculcate basic computer literacy, various office user applications, web design, database management etc. in the youth who are the nation's future and tomorrow's leaders.
2.	To provide minimal universal Internet access to valuable information and data as a catalyst to expanding knowledge.
3.	To compliment and support the national human capacity development efforts by building a platform to absorb and develop individual talents and contributions using ICT, for the realization of Ghana's vision.
4.	Improve computer skills and IT knowledge for teachers among students and teachers by increasing computer contact and Internet access hours through access to computer laboratories and partner ICT service providers.
5.	Assist in Ghana's readiness for its full participation in the global knowledge economy such as through addressing not only the digital divide intra digital divide (rural-urban access) as a means to consequently bridge the divide between nations.

Evaluation: Based on a scientific analysis of the pilot project, corrective measures will be adopted, and mechanisms set to expand CatchITYoung nationwide to sustain the Ghana Digital Project and Information and Communications Technology as a main pillar in Ghana's development.

Needs: We accept financial contributions as well as in-kind donations to expand the scope of this projec tin Ghana.