Accra, May 21, GNA - Participants drawn from 12 Junior High Schools (JHS) in the Greater Accra Metropolis on Saturday underwent a day's works= hop on Information Communication Technology (ICT). The participating schools included Kings and Queens Academy, St Thomas Preparatory and JHS, Alajo One and Three JHS, Abeka Two JHS, Harrow International, Tesano JHS, Moore's international, New Star Preparatory an= d JHS and Police Depot Two JHS.

The event was organised by Yinta Foundation, a non-governmental organisation with support from the Ghana Telecom University College on the theme: 93Enhancing learning through ICT." Mr Dannah Williams, Administrative Director of the Foundation, said th= e world has become a global village, hence the need for the youth to compete favourably on the global market through an understanding of the importance of ICT and its role in management, leadership and other sectors. He said the foundation's aim was to educate and develop the knowledg= e of the youth in the proper use of ICT and also create awareness of the dangers of cyber crime.

Mr Williams said another focus of the organisation was to train young people especially those in the deprived areas who had not been exposed to the full benefits and opportunities provided by technology. "We have also come to the realisation that, it's high time the fem= ale population gets fully involved in ICT career development," he added. He said the training provided an atmosphere for sharing of computer skills for national development.

Mr Williams said the organisation was committed to ensure the development of ICT applications and operations of services, respecting the rights of children as well as their protection and well-being. He expressed the hope that participants would take the workshop seriously to enhance their knowledge in ICT development and research. Mr Samuel Nyarko, Operations Officer of the foundation, asked the participants to use ICT to go beyond what they had been taught in the classroom. He called on educators to encourage students to constantly use the technology for their personal development rather than unbeneficial purposes= ..

Mr Nyarko said with the current trend of ICT in the country, the futur= e was bright.

He said the foundation was planning more seminars and mentoring programmes to enhance the development of the youth. Master Greg Hansen, a participant told the Ghana News Agency that even though he has knowledge of ICT, he hope to learn more basic skills to improve his learning. He urged other participants to use ICT purposefully in school to be abreast of current developments around the world.