The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has provided Laptops to 457 brilliant but needy students as part of the university's Support One Needy Student with One Laptop (SONSOL) project.
SONSOL project
The initiative aims to assist less privileged students in their academic pursuits.
Since its inception in 2021, the university has distributed a total of 1,854 laptops to Ghanaian students in need, including those from the Institute of Distance Learning, Obuasi campus, and all colleges of the university.
The value of the 457 laptops distributed is estimated at GH¢3,199,000.
Eligibility for the program is limited to students in levels 100 to 300. New students must have obtained a maximum West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) aggregate of 18, while continuing students need to achieve a minimum Cumulative Weighted Average (CWA) of 55.00 and above.
The selection process ensures that only students in critical need receive the laptops.
Certain exemptions apply, such as final-year students and those already benefiting from scholarships or bursaries exceeding GH¢2,000.
Examples of such scholarships include those from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme, the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), TullowMTN Foundation, Vodafone, GET-Fund, MP's Common Fund, District Assembly Support, among others.
The laptops were sponsored by various corporate organizations and individuals, including Ecobank Ghana, KEK Insurance Brokers, Stanbic Bank Ghana PLC, MyTurn, Andysap Furniture, Multinec, Fairgreen Limited, Google Inc, Ultimate Hostel, Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG), SRC KNUST, GRASAG KNUST, NUGS KNUST, and the Distance Learning Students Association (DLSA).
During the presentation ceremony at the Great Hall of KNUST, Vice-Chancellor Professor Rita Akosua Dickson emphasized the university's commitment to embracing the virtual space, particularly due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
She highlighted the importance of digital transformation and ensuring that all students are equipped to meet industry demands.
Prof. Mrs. Dickson expressed her gratitude to the institutions and individuals who supported the SONSOL project.
However, she acknowledged the high demand for laptops and the limited supply, urging everyone to continue supporting and sustaining the initiative for its success.
The beneficiaries, who were selected through a rigorous process, expressed their appreciation to the university and sponsors for the opportunity.
Owning a laptop will significantly enhance their studies and academic pursuits.
