In 2016, I signed international sales agreement contract with Makeblock in China to distribute robotics kits manufactured by Makeblock such as mBot for stem education. The scope of my market has been within the West African sub region. So I introduced mBot and built a robotic learning studio at Okponglo, the university of Ghana main entrance and subsequently moved the studio to Afrikiko presidential drive near the Jubilee house, mBot happened to be the first robotic hardware ever to be sold in Ghana, purposely to introduce kids to mBlock, which is block based coding for kids.
As one of the most popular robot kits for kids, mBot is beginner-friendly as it is mainly designed for beginners to learn electronics, robotics, and programming. For children of all ages, Kids can control the robot to perform simple tasks through drag-and-drop coding blocks by using mBlock block-based coding software.
The proudly positive impacts of robotics learning in Ghana prevalently became public conscious experienced when the Methodist Girls High School (MEGHIS) was adjudged the winners of World Robotic Competition. In two consecutive times, the school located in the Eastern Region of Ghana wins the world robotic competition. The 2020 virtual edition was contested by 5000 teams across the world.
mBot robot kit is available in store @ Appa LED shop Afrikiko on the presidential drive near the Jubilee house Accra
Even though I have donated a lot of mBot robot kits to some children in Ghana for free without taking any money from their parents since I started in 2016. However, I cannot continue to give out the product for free because I personally don't have the financial strength to be doing this alone.
Well, I hope one day, kids that are interested in mBot robot kit but parents cannot afford, will receive it for free in Ghana.
Furthermore, I have subsidized the base cost price of mBot robot kit up to 58% reduction from its current selling price for parents and guardians who are facing financial difficulties in purchasing the product for their ward. This subside strictly goes the Ghanaian kids who are interested in mBot robot kit but their parents cannot afford.
Google Nest connect
Available in store @ Appa LED shop Afrikiko near the Jubilee house Accra
Google Nest wifi
Available in store @ Appa LED shop Afrikiko near the Jubilee house Accra
Google Chromecast
Available in store @ Appa LED shop Afrikiko near the Jubilee house Accra
Google Nest audio
Available in store @ Appa LED shop Afrikiko near the Jubilee house Accra
Google Nest hub
Available in store @ Appa LED shop Afrikiko near the Jubilee house Accra
Google Nest mini
Available in store @ Appa LED shop Afrikiko near the Jubilee house Accra
1. Educate yourself: Start by researching and understanding the prevalence and different forms of child abuse in Ghana. Learn about the laws and policies in place to protect children and the organizations that are working to combat child abuse.
2. Volunteer with local organizations: Find reputable local organizations that are actively involved in combating child abuse in Ghana. Offer your time and skills to support their efforts. This could include participating in awareness campaigns, organizing workshops and seminars, or assisting in administrative tasks.
3. Donate resources: Many organizations working against child abuse in Ghana are often under-resourced. Consider donating funds, supplies, or equipment that can aid in their work. You can also organize fundraising events or campaigns to gather donations from your community.
4. Raise awareness: Use your voice and platform to raise awareness about child abuse in Ghana. Share information on social media, write blog posts or articles, and engage in discussions with friends, family, and colleagues. The more people are aware of the issue, the more likely it is that action will be taken.
5. Report suspected cases: If you witness or suspect child abuse in Ghana, it is crucial to report it to the appropriate authorities. Contact the local police, child protection agencies, or helpline numbers provided by organizations working in this field. Prompt reporting can help protect the child and ensure that the abuser is held accountable.
6. Support survivors: If you encounter children who are survivors of abuse, offer support and empathy. Encourage them to seek professional help and connect them with relevant resources and organizations that can provide assistance. Sometimes, even being a trusted listener can make a significant difference in their healing process.
7. Advocate for policy changes: Support campaigns and initiatives that aim to strengthen child protection laws and policies in Ghana. Write letters to policymakers, sign petitions, or join advocacy groups that are working towards legal reforms to better protect children from abuse.
Remember, the fight against child abuse requires a collective effort. By actively participating in these actions, you can contribute to creating a safer environment for children in Ghana.
Mental health is an important topic that affects people of all ages, including children. It's crucial to prioritize the mental well-being of children, regardless of their nationality or cultural background, such as being Ghanaian.
In Ghana, like in many other countries, there are various factors that can impact a child's mental health, such as family dynamics, social pressures, economic circumstances, and access to mental health resources. It's essential to provide a supportive environment for children, where they feel safe, loved, and can freely express their emotions.
Parents, caregivers, and communities play a vital role in promoting positive mental health for Ghanaian children. Encouraging open communication, fostering healthy relationships, and providing access to resources and support systems are all important steps. Additionally, promoting self-care, resilience, and emotional intelligence can help children develop healthy coping mechanisms.
It's also crucial to raise awareness and reduce stigma surrounding mental health in Ghana, as this can encourage individuals to seek help when needed. Education, advocacy, and the availability of mental health services are important in addressing the mental health needs of Ghanaian children.
Overall, prioritizing the mental health of Ghanaian children requires a collective effort, involving families, communities, and the government. By providing the necessary support and resources, we can help ensure that Ghanaian children grow up with a strong foundation of mental well-being.
To create mental health awareness among the Ghanaian population and educate parents and guardians about mental health in children, especially from the infant stage, the following strategies can be implemented:
1. Public awareness campaigns: Launch comprehensive public awareness campaigns using various media channels, including TV, radio, online platforms, and community events. These campaigns should focus on raising awareness about mental health in children, the importance of early intervention, and reducing stigma surrounding mental health issues.
2. Parent education programs: Develop and implement parent education programs specifically addressing mental health in children, starting from the infant stage. These programs should provide information on promoting positive mental health, recognizing early signs of mental health issues, and teaching parents about appropriate interventions and resources available.
3. Community engagement: Engage with community leaders, religious organizations, and traditional authorities to promote mental health awareness. Encourage them to include mental health discussions in community gatherings, religious events, and traditional ceremonies.
4. Collaboration with healthcare professionals: Collaborate with healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, midwives, and pediatricians, to educate parents during prenatal and postnatal care about the importance of mental health in infants and young children. Provide training to healthcare professionals on identifying early signs of mental health issues and referring parents for further evaluations and support.
5. Integration with existing programs: Integrate mental health education into existing programs targeting parents and guardians, such as maternal and child health programs, parenting classes, and early childhood development initiatives. This will ensure that mental health is addressed holistically and in conjunction with other aspects of child well-being.
6. Training for healthcare providers: Provide training and professional development opportunities for healthcare providers on infant mental health. This will equip them with the knowledge and skills to assess and address mental health issues in infants and young children and provide appropriate support to parents.
7. Mobile health interventions: Utilize mobile health interventions, such as SMS messages or mobile applications, to disseminate information and provide support to parents and guardians. These interventions can provide tips, resources, and reminders about the importance of mental health in children, reaching a wide audience.
8. Collaboration with NGOs and international organizations: Partner with local NGOs and international organizations that focus on child mental health to leverage their expertise and resources. Collaborate on awareness campaigns, training programs, and resource development specifically targeting mental health in infants and young children.
9. Research and data collection: Conduct research studies to gather data on the prevalence and impact of mental health issues in infants and young children in Ghana. Use this data to inform policy decisions, develop targeted interventions, and advocate for increased resources and funding for mental health services specifically for this population.
10. Policy advocacy: Advocate for the inclusion of mental health in national policies and legislation related to child welfare, with a specific focus on infant mental health. Engage with policymakers and politicians to emphasize the importance of prioritizing mental health in infants and young children and allocate resources for prevention and intervention programs.
By implementing these strategies, Ghana can create widespread mental health awareness among the population, educate parents and guardians about mental health in children from the infant stage, and mitigate mental health issues in this vulnerable population.