YM Lab 14 Nadowli-Kaleo
YM Lab 14 Nadowli-Kaleo
In Ghana's Upper West Region, a community-built lab is giving thousands of students in Nadowli-Kaleo their first real hands-on experience with technology.
A vision takes shape
The vision for a modern technology laboratory in Nadowli-Kaleo began with a strategic conversation initiated by Japhet Aryiku, Executive Director of the Helping Africa Foundation. With the assistance of Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, he introduced the Yamoransa Model Lab programme to the Rt. Hon. Alban S. K. Bagbin, Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana. After learning how the programme brings practical digital and STEAM education to underserved communities, the Speaker immediately expressed interest in establishing a laboratory in his constituency. His response transformed a promising idea into a concrete commitment to expand educational opportunity for young people in the Nadowli-Kaleo District.
Funding and partnership
The Speaker personally financed the construction of the facility, while the Helping Africa Foundation supplied the technology and equipment needed to transform the building into a fully functioning learning centre. YM Lab 14 was designed as more than a conventional computer centre. The completed facility includes two 36-seat EDUlabs for digital learning and a makerspace where students can gain practical experience with robotics, augmented and virtual reality, and 3D printing. It also provides a conference room, office space for the centre manager, and dedicated washrooms for staff and students.
A call for community ownership
The vision for a modern technology laboratory in Nadowli-Kaleo began with a strategic conversation initiated by Japhet Aryiku, Executive Director of the Helping Africa Foundation. With the assistance of Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, he introduced the Yamoransa Model Lab programme to the Rt. Hon. Alban S. K. Bagbin, Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana. After learning how the programme brings practical digital and STEAM education to underserved communities, the Speaker immediately expressed interest in establishing a laboratory in his constituency. His response transformed a promising idea into a concrete commitment to expand educational opportunity for young people in the Nadowli-Kaleo District.
Expanding opportunity and impact
The laboratory is expected to serve approximately 3,439 students from 10 schools in the Kaleo community while remaining accessible to learners beyond the formal school system. By combining digital learning with hands-on STEAM activities, YM Lab 14 is intended to strengthen creativity, research, problem-solving, and leadership skills. It demonstrates how committed leadership, effective partnerships, and sustainable funding can turn an educational idea into a practical investment in the future of an entire district.
Impact in action
Changing lives
Watch how Yamoransa Model labs turn access into opportunity.
