International Service

International Projects

From Memorial Today - News - www.today.mun.ca

Connecting to the international community

Ken Dadzie

Tracey Mills After a trip home to Ghana in 2003, international student Ken Dadzie approached Memorial University's Office of Student Affairs and Services to ask for something he did not think was possible. His school back home in Tsito, Ghana needed help with setting up a computer lab and so he decided to ask for a donation. Almost a year later, 10 computers and a printer are on their way to the Awudome Secondary School thanks to the efforts of the Department of Career Development and Experiential Learning, Student Affairs and Services, Computing and Communications and the St. John's Northwest Rotary Club.

“This goes to show that anything is possible,” said business administration student, Ken Dadzie. “A lot of work went into making this happen and we faced our share of rough spots along the way, but we got there eventually and I could not be happier!”

The new computer lab will support about 1500-2000 people and will go a long way towards helping the students advance and reach their potential.

“It feels wonderful to be able to do this and give back to my community,” said Mr. Dadzie with a smile. “We take a lot for granted in North America, but this will make a big difference to the people of my school back home. The students there have potential and this will help to make sure they reach it.”

This is the first time that Memorial has undertaken an international donation of this scale. It is also a wonderful example of what can be achieved through partnership and collaboration.

“Together, Memorial University, in partnership with the St. John's Northwest Rotary Club, provided technology that will enhance the learning opportunities for students in a West African community. This is indeed a significant example of connecting to the community,” remarked Sandra Patterson, Department of Career Development and Experiential Learning. “Ken Dadzie was very committed to seeing this project through and our department was pleased to facilitate this process. The enthusiasm of Mr. Dadzie, the efforts of Computing and Communications, the support of Rotary and the gratitude of our contacts in Ghana, truly make this a good news story!”

Shipping of the computers would not have been possible without the generous support of the St. John's Northwest Rotary Club who donated $1500 to cover the cost. The St. John's Northwest Rotary Club is committed to international and vocational service projects and was delighted to work with Memorial on this initiative.

A lot of time and effort from Computing and Communications at Memorial also went into upgrading and transforming the computers so that they could be used by the students in Ghana. Margaret Shaw from the Personal Computing Group said it was a worthwhile endeavor.

“All of us who were involved in this project hope the school which received the computers and printer will greatly benefit from the donation. Even though we would like to accommodate every request we receive, we know this would be impossible and unrealistic. We are happy it worked out for this instance and wish all the students the best of luck.”

©2005 Memorial University of Newfoundland