UN 
- CARE International plans to enroll 20,000 Ghanaian girls in digital training by October 2026.
- The expanded program builds on an earlier phase that trained 7,200 girls from 2021â2023.
- Ghanaâs 2022 ICT for Accelerated Development Policy flagged a 17% digital gender gap.
A recent announcement by CARE International outlines a two-year scaling of its Girls’ Digital Literacy Program in Ghana, with the objective of reaching 20,000 new learners by October 2026. The program will operate in partnership with Ghanaâs Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service, focusing on underserved districts in the Ashanti, Northern, and Volta regions.
Ghanaâs persistent digital gender divide is a central driver for this expansion. According to the 2022 Ghana ICT for Accelerated Development Policy, only 39% of women aged 15â24 reported regular internet use, 17% lower than their male counterparts. CARE Internationalâs 2021â2023 pilot phase achieved direct skills gains for 7,200 girls, as verified by third-party learning assessments.
The current initiative promises a blend of digital skills training, teacher capacity-building, and provision of hardware for schools. In contrast to previous generic pledges in the sector, CARE International has committed to annual, third-party monitoring by the University of Ghana and public reporting against progress benchmarks.
While CARE Internationalâs enrollment target is ambitious, past delivery rates and robust monitoring frameworks distinguish the project from less substantiated digital inclusion claims. Independent evaluations will be key to determining whether the 20,000 target is met and if measurable reductions in the gender gap are achieved by October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of CARE Internationalâs digital literacy program in Ghana?
The main goal is to enroll and train 20,000 new girls in essential digital literacy skills by October 2026, focusing on districts with the highest digital gender disparities. The program also aims to enhance teacher skills and supply equipment to schools, contributing to bridging Ghanaâs gender digital divide.
How does the program ensure measurable progress and avoid greenwashing?
CARE International commits to annual third-party monitoring by the University of Ghana, with publicly reported progress benchmarks. Prior program phases showed results, with 7,200 girls directly trained and independently verified skill improvements, setting a precedent for delivery over pledges.
How does this initiative align with national or international SDG targets?
The expansion supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by improving girlsâ digital skills and reducing the gender gap highlighted in Ghana’s national ICT policy. The delivery model and transparent reporting aim to provide replicable lessons for digital inclusion across sub-Saharan Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CARE International’s target for girls’ digital literacy in Ghana by 2026?
CARE International aims to enroll and train 20,000 new girls in digital literacy skills in Ghana by October 2026.
Which regions in Ghana will the expanded digital literacy program focus on?
The program will focus on underserved districts in the Ashanti, Northern, and Volta regions.
How will CARE International measure progress in its digital literacy program?
Progress will be measured through annual third-party monitoring by the University of Ghana and public reporting against progress benchmarks.
What was the outcome of the previous phase of CARE International’s digital literacy program in Ghana?
The previous phase, from 2021 to 2023, directly trained 7,200 girls, with skill improvements verified by third-party assessments.
How does the program address Ghana’s digital gender gap?
The program targets districts with the highest digital gender disparities and aims to reduce the gap, as only 39% of women aged 15–24 reported regular internet use, 17% lower than males.
