In a heart-warming demonstration of youth-driven impact, 17-year-old Ghanaian-American, Hawa-Larai Haruna, has brought a wave of digital creativity and hope to Basic 6 students of Tunga Islamic Basic School, part of the Dansoman Cluster of Schools in Accra.
Through her self-initiated project, she has donated 20 HP laptop computers, 20 drawing tablets, and 20 external memory cards, a total of 40 digital devices to enhance teaching and learning of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and digital arts.
Apart from the items donated, Hawa-Larai went a step further by leading a three-day hands-on tutorial for both teachers and students to introduce young learners in a public-school setting to the world of digital illustration and design using tools like Ibis Paint, an advanced drawing software, and graphic tablets that allow for expressive digital art creation.
Recounting the origins of her project during an interview with the media, Hawa-Larai shared that her first visit to the school in 2024 during a trip to Ghana left her both disheartened and inspired when She had hoped to offer a digital arts session for students, only to discover that the school had just two laptops available for its entire ICT department.
“It was heart-breaking,” she said adding, “in a world where digital skills are no longer a luxury but a necessity, I couldn’t believe a whole school was functioning with only two laptops. But that moment also inspired me to help change the narrative.”
Upon returning to the U.S., Hawa-Larai rallied support from friends, family, and well-meaning donors who shared her vision, culminating in what school authorities have hailed as a transformative gesture.
She mentioned that the donation and accompanying training are aimed at more than just improving computer literacy with the broader goal to ignite creativity among young learners and expose them to future career paths in digital media, animation, illustration, and design.
“The digital arts sector is growing rapidly, and many young people in Ghana are unaware of the opportunities it holds. By giving them the tools and guidance, I hope to unlock hidden talents and help them see the possibilities,” she said.
Students participating in the workshop are learning to create digital artworks from scratch using styluses and tablets, guided step-by-step through digital illustration processes as well as teachers receiving training so they can continue the work after the program ends.
The success of the initiative will be measured by student feedback, the quality of digital artworks produced, and observations by teachers and volunteers where a final project report will document the outcomes, challenges, and recommendations for possible expansion.
She envisions a future where Ghanaian students are not just passive consumers of technology, but creators and innovators, equipped with the digital tools and confidence to thrive in a competitive global landscape.
In a time where access to technology defines educational equity, Hawa-Larai Haruna’s act of service is a powerful reminder that age is no barrier to leadership, and that lasting change often begins with a single inspired individual determined to make a difference.
Madam Gifty Gasper, Headmistress of Tunga Islamic Basic School, expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the staff and students.
“This donation is not just about handing over laptops and tablets, it is about transferring possibilities and opening up a world of learning and creativity to our students that they could previously only dream of”, she said.
Madam Gasper emphasized that in today’s fast-evolving technological environment, ICT is the backbone of modern education and called on educators to embrace innovation in the classroom and encouraged students to take full advantage of the opportunity.
“With these new tools, students can go beyond chalk and talk. They can engage with digital content, explore new interests, and build the skills needed for the future,” she added.
On his part, Mr. Aminu Onukpa Futa, a respected elder of the Futa family in Nima and uncle to Hawa-Larai commended his niece’s effort and urged other Ghanaians especially those in the diaspora to support educational initiatives in their communities.
“While this gesture by Hawa-Larai is commendable, we must also reflect as a society. Too often, we leave the burden of development to others. We must own our environment and contribute to sustaining projects like this so they have lasting impact.”
He lamented a growing culture of indifference toward local development initiatives and encouraged families, alumni, and communities to take greater responsibility for educational advancement.
