Obeng Kwame Dente-Quarshie
Obuasi Senior High Technical School

I have always loved science, especially astronomy. The role that robots have played in space exploration is part of the reason why I developed an interest in robots. I had believed that to be able to study robotics, I would have to look outside Ghana, because I did not know any institution in Ghana where I could learn robotics. Ashesi has changed that.

I was invited to apply for the Ashesi Robotics Experience by a brother-in-law, because he knew about my interest in robotics. I was excited about the opportunity, especially so when I was told later that my application had been accepted.

My experience at Ashesi has been amazing. For every day I was here, I got to work on hands-on robotics training projects that have helped me gain a great understanding of what it is like to work with robots. But my lessons here have gone beyond robotics.

Living on Ashesi’s campus, and using the university’s facilities, has allowed me to appreciate the quality of education that this university offers. It is hard to describe the experience in writing, especially to someone who has never been here, but Ashesi is a wonderful institution.

And did I mention that we got to experience all this without paying anything at all?

One particularly strong sentiment that all of us who participated in ARX 2012 share, is a deep appreciation for Ashesi and The MasterCard Foundation, for giving us one of the best learning experiences ever. On behalf of everyone, I say thank you.

Nana Yaa Abrafi Duah
Aburi Girls Senior High School

I have had an interest in Computer Programming since we learned how to create simple C++ algorithms in Junior High School. I was first exposed to robotics at Aburi Girls School, when I participated in a robotics workshop called RISE last year. The experience got me thinking about robotics, but the Ashesi Robotics Experience has pushed that interest to its peak.

During ARX I got to understand a lot better, how a lot of the programming theory we did in school could actually be applied. My time here has really got me interested in Computer Science as a subject, and it is becoming more of an option for me.

Ashesi has changed my ideas about university education in Ghana. In our week here, we were taught to think for ourselves and be independent, yet be able to work in teams and with other people. The model of leadership that we explored at Ashesi, leadership that believes in integrity, is exactly what we need in our society today.

I feel inspired by the Ashesi Robotics Experience. I have begun to understand that I can engage with some of the problems I see everyday, and I plan on doing just that from here. I believe that I will be making a breakthrough for my community in the near future.

Emmanuel Kweku Mensah
Ghana Secondary Technical School

I have always been interested in how things are built. I love building things with my hands. Prior to the Ashesi Robotics Experience, I had never heard about Ashesi. Even up until I had actually arrived at the school’s campus, I did not actually understand that it was a real university! So being here and being a part of ARX 2012 completely has been incredible. The environment was perfect for learning, and I got to work on exciting mini robotics projects with a team of students I had never met before from very different backgrounds.

ARX has made me more certain about studying engineering after senior high school. The additional seminars that we had during the ARX week – meeting with Ashesi alumni and students, speaking with people pursuing careers in Computer Science among others – have given me a great perspective of Computer Science.

Truthfully, Ashesi has really impressed me.

The community here, with its holistic liberal arts approach to learning, its Honour Code, and the emphasis on learning to do the right thing when no one is watching, has affected me very positively. I plan to apply to Ashesi when the university starts its Electrical Engineering major, and I hope this happens soon.