Sierra Leone: Ecobank Day Graced With state-of-the-art E-library at Awada School in Bo

By Ishmael Sallieu Koroma

As part of its Ecobank Day Celebration this year, Ecobank –SL, the Pan African Bank has commissioned an Artificial Intelligence powered e-library at The Awada School in Bo, Southern Sierra Leone.The theme for this year’s Ecobank Day celebration is igniting learning through artificial intelligence.

Speaking on behalf of the MD- Ecobank, the Head of Consumer Banking Ecobank-SL, Madam Kate Thompson, said that the Ecobank day is the flagship annual group wide social impact initiative led by Ecobank Foundation adding that it is a day that they have set aside to give back to the local communities in the African countries where the bank operates not just in Sierra Leone but also across communities in 32 other countries.

‘’ Over the years , Ecobank Sierra Leone has made significant contributions through this initiative by donating desktop computers , tables and chairs , white board and markers to Awada school , Bo town. Last year, we launched a three- year campaign with the global theme ‘Transforming Africa through Education ‘we focused on digital literacy and equipped 10,000 children with digital skills across our affiliates,’’ she said.

She added that, for this year’s 12th edition, they’re building on last year’s success adding that theme for this year’s Ecobank Day is igniting learning through artificial intelligence.

‘’ The focus is on AI and foundational learning and how AI can be harnessed to help improve basic skills in literacy, numeracy and digital literacy. Indeed, AI has the potential to transform education, making it more personalized, accessible and effective than ever before,’’ Madam Kate Thompson added.

Madam Kate Thompson believed that , if children are equipped with basic literacy , numeracy and digital skills at an early age , this will provide them with the right foundation for their future and help them thrive at school gain the skillsets that will prepare them for this rapidly evolving digital age and broaden their employment and life opportunities.

‘’ If we can ignite learning with AI and harness the power of Artificial intelligence, we can accelerate children’s attainment of basic literacy, numeracy and digital skills,’’ the head of consumer banking assured, adding it is such an important thing to do, and it will be beneficial and life changing for the children.

The Head of Consumer Banking, however, encouraged the pupils at the Awada School to make use of the AI –based educational tools, as she believed that they can fuel passion for reading, strengthen their numeracy skills and in addition empower them with digital skills.

‘’For this special occasion, we are donating E- library to two schools, internet connectivity and 6months subscription to both schools,’’ the head of consumer banking announced on Thursday, adding that the e-library facilities at the Awada school would allow pupils to access over 20,000 pass questions at various levels from primary , secondary and WASSCE level.

Proprietress, The Awada School, Mrs. Chadia Talib in her statement said that Ecobank has proven to be a great banking institution to work with where they have seen a win-win situation for both parties.

‘’To our banking partners, Ecobank Sierra Leone, we are always thrilled to have you in our midst. This is the 2nd year of hosting Ecobank Day at The Awada School. We are also grateful for the working relationship we have established and your generous donations to our IT Lab,’’ she said.

On his part the Head of Brand, Communications and Marketing Ecobank- SL, Sheikh Omaru Jalloh, said that the commissioning of the state of the art E-library at the Awada School builds upon last year’s donation to the school which includes about 20 desk top computers, chairs, and white board markers among other things.

‘’ The e- library is equipped with a high speed internet service powered through Star link subscription that is paid for by Ecobank to the Awada School for pupils as well as the teachers ,’’ Jalloh said, adding that Ecobank has also provided similar facility to the YWCA school in Freetown.