Help Bring 3 Computer Labs to Ghana: Empower 30,000 Lives

My name is Dr. Sharla Chittick. I've spent 30 years as a history and geography professor, teaching students about the power of human potential, resilience, and connection across borders. But in 2023, at an event hosted by the Volta Resilient Foundation, I heard a story that changed me forever.

That's when I first learned about Eben—a young man from Ada, Ghana, who had survived child trafficking and was beginning his journey toward healing and education. His story gripped my heart. I now have the honor of sponsoring Eben, supporting his path to reaching his full potential through mentorship and education.

Though I've never been to Ghana, I feel deeply connected to Eben and the community that raised him. In June 2025, I will travel to Ghana for the first time—to meet him, witness this work firsthand, and help build something extraordinary for his generation and beyond.

Our Goal: Build 3 Computer Labs to Empower 30,000 People Annually

Together with the Volta Resilient Foundation, we are launching a bold, community-led project to establish three school-based IT training centers in:

Akplabanya (Ada West District)

Ada Foah (Ada East District)

Adjena (Eastern Region)

These labs will provide digital training and internet access to:

15,000 school-aged children annually

15,000 youth and adults from neighboring communities

Each lab will serve as a hub for learning, creativity, and opportunity—empowering students, equipping young adults for the workforce, and strengthening entire communities through access to technology.

Why This Matters

In these rural regions, schools are deeply under-resourced. Most students have never used a computer. Many leave school early to support their families. Others remain vulnerable to child labor and exploitation.

These labs will change that. They'll:

Teach computer literacy, research skills, and graphic design.

Offer after-school certifications and training in coding and media.

Host programs for youth apprenticeships and adult workforce training

Connect entire communities to the digital world via Satellite WiFi.

The Impact

With your help, this project will:

Break cycles of poverty and disconnection

Create educational equity and career pathways.

Build sustainable, community-owned tech centers that last

Why I'm Crowdfunding

I first sought help through institutional channels, hoping for recycled laptops from my university. But policies and logistics got in the way. What I received instead was encouragement:

"Start a GoFundMe. This matters."

So here I am. Asking for your help to make it happen.

Our Goal: $20,000

Item Estimated Cost

50 Refurbished Laptops $10,000

Solar Panel Systems (3 Labs) $3,500

Satellite WiFi Equipment & Setup $3,000

Electrical Upgrades (some in-kind) $1,500

Infrastructure & Furniture $2,000

Total $20,000

Every dollar counts:

$25 = one child's internet access for a month

$150 = a complete workstation with solar and WiFi

$500 = helps power an entire lab

Powered by the People—Sustained by Commitment

This initiative isn't just a build-and-leave effort. It's a lasting partnership.

The Volta Resilient Foundation is:

Hiring a dedicated full-time IT instructor for each lab

Covering ongoing WiFi and maintenance costs

Training local leaders to manage the centers

Offering community programs and scholarship-based certifications

With this model, the labs won't just exist—they will thrive. And they will continue to serve 30,000 people every year for years to come.

Be Part of the Story

Eben's story is just one. But there are thousands more waiting to be written.

This summer, I'll be in Ghana as a volunteer and partner in digital equity and educational opportunity. Will you be with me?

With heartfelt gratitude,

Dr. Sharla Chittick

Professor, Advocate, Child Sponsor