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Codetrain Africa trainees tasked to solve global challenges
Musician, Kojo Cue, has advised young software developers to use their skills to solve problems in the creative industry and beyond.
He said knowledge and skills acquired in any field, including the tech industry, were “only valuable” when used to solve societal problems or make life easier for individuals and organisations.
He made the remarks while interacting with trainees of Codetrain Africa, a software engineering and design school based in Accra, at the institution’s “Demo Day” innovation challenge held on Saturday.
The “Demo Day” was an opportunity for trainees enrolled in the institute’s Software Engineering and User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) Design programmes, to showcase their technical abilities and creativity to a diverse audience, including potential employers and company representatives.
Some 14 trainees of Codetrain Africa teamed up to tackle problems presented by companies from various countries, including Germany, Ireland, Senegal, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Ghana.
They showcased mobile and web applications such a ‘Leave Management System’ for employers and employees, and the ‘Prescribe’ mobile application which allows people to book appointments with doctors.
Mr Richard Brandt, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Codetrain Africa, speaking at the event, said the institution was dedicated to equipping Africa’s youth with world-class skills in technology.
“Codetrain Africa takes committed tertiary graduates from any field of study and transforms them into sought-after innovators through its holistic education-to-employment programme.
“This comprehensive training prepares students to transition seamlessly into the tech industry, fostering a new generation of tech talent ready to thrive in the global market,” he said.
Mr Brandt added that Codetrain Africa strives to close the skills gap by offering students technical expertise as there were opportunities for remote jobs from international tech companies.
He said the institution has successfully trained over 700 individuals since its inception with over 89 per cent of students obtaining jobs within six to nine months after graduation.
“This success reflects Codetrain Africa’s ability to prepare its students for roles in top-tier firms both in Africa and abroad. We aim to create lasting change within our community and beyond, by providing access to quality education and contributing to economic growth,” he added.
The CEO noted that the institution remained committed to “creating lasting change both locally and globally,” and that graduates who have gone on to work with companies serve as “a testament to the school’s mission.”
Some trainees shared their experiences and encouraged young people to avail themselves of opportunities in the tech industry.
Ms. Grace Djobokou, a student, said girls could dominate in the technology industry; therefore, they should not shy away from participating in technology training programmes.
Also, Mr Benjamin Shadrach Tetteh, a developer who worked on the ‘Prescribe’ mobile application for a company in Berlin, Germany, acknowledged the challenges in coming up with his project but expressed satisfaction with the final output.
Medical Doctor and dietician, Dr Bernice Korkor Asare, has urged women to take greater responsibility for their lifestyle choices, particularly their eating habits and levels of physical activity, to help reduce their risk of developing breast cancer.
According to her, although, some breast cancer risk factors, such as family history and certain reproductive factors, may not be within an individual’s control, lifestyle choices offer an opportunity for people to take preventive action.
She made this known during a talk on the topic: “Role of diet in breast cancer prevention” organised by Times Ladies Association of the New Times Corporation, publishers of The Ghanaian Times and The Spectator, in Accra on Thursday.
The event themed “Breast Cancer Awareness- Promoting Early Detection, Healthy Eating and Prevention.” 
She noted that having a risk factor did not automatically mean a person would develop breast cancer, but could increase the likelihood of developing the disease compared with someone without that particular risk factor.
“Having close relatives who have had breast cancer, particularly a mother, sister or daughter, may increase the risk, although not everyone with a family history will develop the disease,” Dr Asare opined. Read More.
By Adizatu K. Munkaila
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A group of compassionate friends from Innovation Gospel Impact last Friday visited the management, teachers and learners of the Street Academy in Accra.
The visit was to interact to get a deeper insight into the operations of the Academy that houses hundreds of street and underprivileged children and find ways to support them.
The team was led by Rev. Dr Isaac Apenteng Yeboah, a former Director for West African Mailbox Club and Director for Prisons Support Foundation, and Rev. Dale Sutherland from Washington DC.
The call, according to the visitors was occasioned by reports about the struggles of the Academy despite the occasional support it enjoys from individuals and some corporate entities.
Briefing them, the Founder and Executive Director of the Academy, Dr Ataa Lartey, thanked them for the concern showed, indicating that “this is a major boost for both teachers and learners; knowing that their plight is known by people outside their premises.”
According Dr Lartey, the Academy had planned to undertake a number of project to enhance teaching and learning and also procure facilities for the children with keen interest in sports but had to shelve those plans for lack of finance.
He told the team that their biggest concerns were the monthly utility bills that takes a toll on their finances.
“We have a piece of land we planned to turn into an astro turf pitch to train the younger ones whose interests lies in making a career out of football, however, we have been unable to commence because there is no money now,” he said.
Dr Lartey expressed gratitude to the teachers who have dedicated their lives to training these children, rather than going for well-paying jobs and hoped that with time, their conditions of engagement would improve.
Moved by the plight of the Academy, the group donated a cash amount of Gh₵3,000 to settle its water bills.
They described as unfortunate the conditions of learners and teachers of the Academy and pledged to continuously support their operations to realize the dream to build a better future for the unfortunate children.
The group offered to support the school with its monthly utility bills, feeding and staff allowance and urged the Academy staff to remain in constant touch with them.
The Street Academy is located at the Accra Art Center and offers brilliant but needy the chance to pursue their educational dreams by enrolling them in public schools with others offered training in sports and cultural activities.
By Spectator Reporter
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