Prof. Kaufmann highlights role of Yamoransa Model Labs in enhancing student performance

An associate professor and Founding Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Ghana, Professor Elsie Effah Kaufmann, has highlighted the significant impact of the Yamoransa Model Labs Programme in improving students' academic performance, particularly at the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) level.

The Yamoransa Model Labs Programme is a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education initiative designed to bridge the digital divide and enhance learning across Africa.

The Model Labs offer solar-powered ICT centres equipped with educational content and multimedia, a space for robotics, AR/VR learning and 3D Printing.

The programme is funded by the Helping Africa Foundation (HAF) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education in participating countries.

Improved BECE performance

At the Annual Impact Round-table Discussion and Robotics Competition (AIRTAD 2025) in Accra, Prof. Kaufmann emphasised the academic benefits of these tech-based learning centres.

The two-day conference, organised by IMPLEMENTERS, a non-profit project management organisation, and Helping Africa Foundation, was on the theme, “The Yamoransa Model Impact Year: Scaling the Successes of Bridging Educational Gaps with Technology.”
“

hat we are hearing is that research shows young people with access to these labs are excelling at the BECE level compared to those without, because they benefit from hands-on learning experiences,” she stated. 

However, she acknowledged the high cost of setting up the facilities as a key challenge and called for collaborative efforts to strengthen STEAM education across Africa.

“AIRTAD is not just a celebration of speeches or discussion of innovation…I employ you all to see into the great future of STEAM education in Africa…to create solutions that satisfy and sustain humanity.”

“The success of the Yamoransa Model Labs is a pathway to showcase innovation and talents on the global stage in order to attract investors and accelerate progress towards Africa’s development,” she added.

Strategic partnerships

The President of the Helping Africa Foundation, Dr Deborah Rose, described the event as a stepping stone for expanding and scaling the impact of the Yamoransa Model Labs across sub-Saharan Africa.

The Chief Executive Officer of IMPLEMENTERS, Kafui Prebbie, noted that 13 Model Labs had already been established across Ghana, with two more under development.

He highlighted the introduction of an offline learning tool called "Asanka", designed to support teachers and students in effective learning.

He said the project had impacted over 55,000 pupils in the selected areas, with 100,000 more pupils targeted in the years ahead.

The Yamoransa Model

A key highlight of AIRTAD 2025 was the robotics competition, where students demonstrated their coding, engineering and problem-solving skills.

The event also showcased innovative projects developed within the Yamoransa Model Labs.