Belgian Consulate in Ghana Explores Collaboration with AI-4AI to Enhance Education and Digital Skills
The African Institute for Artificial Intelligence (AI-4AI) recently had a productive meeting with the Belgian Consulate in Ghana, opening doors for potential collaboration aimed at enhancing access to 21st-century skills in Ghanaian schools.
The meeting, which took place at the Belgian Consulate, was led by Sajeena Jacob, the consulate’s coordinator and counsellor. The discussions focused on synergies between the consulate’s initiatives and AI-4AI's efforts to advance digital literacy and AI skills among Ghanaian students.
Key Areas of Discussion
Strengthening Education Through EdTech:
The Belgian Consulate shared details of its EdTech Program, which has successfully set up over 100 e-learning labs across Ghana. The initiative, led by Televic, a company specializing in digital assessment technologies, is aimed at boosting educational opportunities and digital skills. AI-4AI was encouraged to explore a potential partnership with Televic, and the consulate offered to facilitate an introduction to the company.
Expanding Networks and Collaborations:
The consulate also serves as a key liaison to Belgian organizations in Ghana through the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture Belgium, Luxembourg, Africa, Caribbean, Pacific (CBLACP). This network could offer AI-4AI a valuable opportunity to connect with potential partners and stakeholders who share a commitment to educational development in the region.
In addition, the consulate, which currently leads the Association of Consulates in Ghana, invited AI-4AI to present its work to this group, providing a platform for further collaboration and visibility among other consular representatives.
AI Safety and Education:
A major takeaway from the meeting was the consulate’s advice on AI education, particularly with regard to the risks and opportunities associated with generative AI. The consulate emphasized the importance of AI-4AI’s school outreach programs equipping students with not only the technical skills to engage with AI, but also the necessary awareness to navigate its ethical and safety challenges.
Transparency in Funding:
After reviewing AI-4AI’s presentation, the consulate suggested that future presentations include greater transparency around funding sources. This would bolster the institute's credibility, especially given that its outreach programs are offered at no cost—a point that may raise questions about long-term sustainability.
Path Forward: Strengthening Ties and Collaborative Opportunities
As a result of the productive discussions, the Belgian Consulate has requested that AI-4AI send a follow-up email summarizing its core programs and proposed areas of collaboration. Specifically, the consulate is interested in:
Facilitating an introduction to Televic for potential collaboration.
Connecting AI-4AI with relevant members of the CBLACP to expand networking opportunities.
Arranging a presentation to the Association of Consulates in Ghana.
Exploring additional forms of support to assist AI-4AI’s mission in advancing AI education and skills development.
AI-4AI is excited about the possibilities these connections could bring and looks forward to the next steps in what promises to be a fruitful collaboration with the Belgian Consulate in Ghana.
Stay tuned for updates as this exciting partnership develops!