PAYNESVILLE — Eighteen girls have enrolled in the fourth cohort of the Kutoa Afrika Foundation’s free computer training program, which has been expanded to four months with the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) and internet fundamentals.
By Patience M. Jones
The orientation ceremony, held Friday in Rehab, Paynesville, brought together the newly enrolled students, school administrators, former beneficiaries, and foundation officials.
Speaking at the ceremony, Executive Director Emmanuel Divine Kpoto said the expansion is intended to equip young Liberians with practical digital skills and better prepare them for educational and professional opportunities in an increasingly technology-driven world.
Kpoto disclosed that the foundation has trained 54 students through its first three cohorts, with 12 beneficiaries receiving laptops in recognition of their outstanding academic performance.
He said the third cohort enrolled 18 students, 16 of whom successfully completed the training. Four graduates received laptops for their performance.
“So we have been able to empower 54 students from cohort one, two, and three,” Kpoto said.
He added that 12 of the 54 beneficiaries had received laptops through the program.
Explaining the decision to extend the training period from three to four months, Kpoto said the foundation introduced two additional courses to strengthen participants’ digital knowledge and prepare them for emerging technological demands.
The new courses artificial intelligence and internet fundamentals will expose students to emerging technologies while strengthening their understanding of essential online communication and internet use.
Kpoto noted that although many young people are familiar with social media platforms, some lack basic knowledge of professional digital communication, including the use of email and other essential internet tools.
“We feel that students in high school should have some basic knowledge, should have some basic concepts on how to use artificial intelligence,” he said.
He encouraged the newly enrolled students to remain committed to the training and make the most of the opportunity.
“Come into the program, do your best,” he urged.
Beyond its educational activities, Kpoto disclosed that the foundation has also undertaken community development initiatives, including the construction of three water stations.
Meanwhile, former beneficiary Andriel Y. Topoe credited the foundation’s computer training program with helping her successfully navigate a computer-based university entrance examination.
Topoe said the practical knowledge she acquired in computer operations, Microsoft Excel, and other applications proved valuable during the examination, particularly as some applicants struggled because of limited computer skills.
She expressed appreciation to the foundation and encouraged the new participants to approach the training with dedication and commitment.
“If you come here, you are not coming with your money. Just come with your time. Come with your effort,” she said.
Also speaking, Garsumo Dorley, principal of Star International School System, commended the foundation for providing young people with practical computer education.
Dorley recalled how one of his students, who received a laptop during a previous graduation ceremony, later used the computer to independently complete a school research assignment.
He said the student subsequently approached him for permission to use his office printer to print the completed work.
“She asked me for my printer. I gave her a printer,” Dorley recalled.
He urged the newly enrolled students to take the training seriously, maintain regular attendance, and demonstrate discipline throughout the program.
“This is not a joke. This is not fun. This is serious business. Take it seriously,” he cautioned.
Dorley reminded the students that classes would be held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, encouraging them to remain consistent and strive for academic excellence.
Madam Arthurline One of the Trainer at Kutoa Afrika , praised the foundation for providing free computer training opportunities to young girls.
She recounted her own difficulties acquiring practical computer skills during her education, despite her parents paying for computer lessons.
“My parents paid money for computer sessions. I would go. I would not touch a computer,” she recalled.
She said the experience motivated her to pursue further computer education, which eventually enabled her to train and mentor more than 500 young women and girls.
Madam Artherline urged the newly selected participants to appreciate the opportunity, emphasizing that computer literacy has become increasingly important across different professions.
“There are many students, many girls that want this opportunity,” she told them.
She encouraged the participants to attend classes regularly, ask questions, and take advantage of the training to develop skills that could strengthen their future educational and professional prospects.
The fourth cohort is expected to begin regular classes on Monday, November 9, with the 18 participants scheduled to undergo four months of practical instruction and assessment.
Kpoto said the four highest-performing students will receive laptops upon successful completion of the program, continuing the foundation’s practice of rewarding academic excellence and promoting digital literacy among young Liberian girls.
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