From Imagining Computers to Using Them: How the Mobile Computer Lab is Transforming IT Lessons in Teshie.

For many students in public schools and most private schools, computer (IT) lessons have always been something they could only imagine.

Teachers explain how Microsoft Word works, students carefully write the steps in their notebooks, and lessons continue without anyone ever touching a computer. Some teachers put in extra effort by drawing the Microsoft Word interface on the board.

One student described how difficult this was.

“Before the Mobile Computer Lab, we had to imagine what the Microsoft interface looked like. Our teacher would explain how to create a Word document, and we had to write every step in our notebooks. It was hard and sometimes made me less interested in IT.”

In February 2026, that experience changed.

Empower Communities Ghana launched its Mobile Computer Lab, bringing laptops directly into classrooms so students could finally experience their IT lessons in practice. The project functions like a mobile computer library. Schools can book the lab during IT lessons, and the Empocomm team sets up laptops so students can practice what they are learning in real time.

For many students, it was their first time ever using a laptop.

The moment the laptops were opened, the classroom atmosphere changed. Curiosity quickly turned into excitement as students explored the devices and followed their teachers’ instructions step by step on the screen instead of just in their notebooks.

“Now I enjoy IT lessons much more,” the same student shared. “It’s exciting to actually create a document on a computer instead of just writing the steps.”

Teachers have also noticed the difference.

IT teacher Peter Quarshie explained that the initiative has created a new level of enthusiasm for the subject.

“This project is much needed. The students are more excited about IT now, and they understand the lessons much better because they can practice what they are learning.”

District Education Director Madam Theresah Tetteh praised the initiative and thanked Empower Communities Ghana for its vision in supporting education in the district.

The project was launched at the Lekma North Cluster of Schools with the support of School Improvement Support Officer (SISO) Madam Florence Kokor Koomson and IT teacher Ashalley Isaac, who helped facilitate the program and provided an office space to serve as a station for the Mobile Computer Lab.

Headmaster Samuel Bempong believes the initiative will make a lasting impact on both teachers and students by turning IT education from theory into practical learning.

For Empower Communities Ghana, the project represents an important step toward closing the digital gap.

Empower Communities Ghana believes that the first step to bridging the digital divide is creating access to digital devices.

Looking ahead, the program will continue to grow. Empower Communities Ghana plans to expand the Mobile Computer Lab to reach more schools and communities. Beginning in September 2026, the organization will introduce STEAM & Robotics sessions to help students develop critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.

By giving students access to technology today, the initiative hopes to help train the next generation of innovators who can use their skills to solve challenges within their communities and thrive in an increasingly digital world.