The Institute of ICT Professionals Ghana (IIPGH) has been honoured by the Scratch Foundation with selection to the Scratch Education Collaborative (SEC) for the 2024–2026 cohort.
This selection highlights IIPGH’s commitment to advancing creative computing education and positions it among 55 organizations from 23 countries. Notably, IIPGH is the second Ghanaian organization to join the SEC since its inception in 2021 and is the sole representative from Ghana in this current cohort.
The Scratch Education Collaborative (SEC) is a global initiative to support organizations in implementing equitable creative computing practices. As part of the SEC, IIPGH will engage in a two-year collaborative learning experience, which includes co-developed and co-facilitated sessions with Scratch and other partner organizations. This initiative aims to foster an autonomous community of practice and develop models for equitable and creative computing resources.
Since its establishment in 2018, IIPGH has been at the forefront of promoting creative coding among children. The institute’s Coding Caravan, launched in 2021, reflects its commitment to extending coding education to underserved communities. The initiative travels to various communities, providing practical coding lessons using over 100 laptops pre-installed with the Scratch programming tool. This hands-on approach ensures that Upper Primary and Junior High school students have direct access to coding education.
Scratch, developed by the MIT Media Lab’s Lifelong Kindergarten Group, is a free programming language and online community where children can create interactive stories, games, and animations. It fosters creative learning and problem-solving skills engagingly.
IIPGH’s mission emphasizes reaching historically disadvantaged groups, including girls, physically challenged individuals, and financially needy students. The organization relies on the support of various partners to sustain its outreach efforts and invites additional partners to contribute to its corporate social responsibility initiatives.
IIPGH’s programs have impacted over 10,000 children in Ghana and beyond, including students in Switzerland, Zimbabwe, and the United States. Partnering with the Scratch Foundation will enhance IIPGH’s capacity to deliver Scratch education and broaden its impact.
Through the SEC initiative, IIPGH will benefit from collaborative learning experiences that refine its methodologies, introduce new teaching tools, and enrich students’ learning experiences. This collaboration aligns with IIPGH’s long-term goal of making ICT education accessible to all children, regardless of their background.
For educators interested in exploring further opportunities, the Scratch Conference 2024 presents a chance to engage with the broader Scratch community and enhance creative computing practices.
