“My name is Reuben Kwadzo Gblonyah. I live in Ghana in West Africa. I am married and have one child. I completed all my education in Ghana and, after my undergrad, I worked for a year at the University of Cape Coast as a Teaching Assistant. I assisted in courses like Information Technology Skills, Databases, etc. I’m currently a volunteer tutor in IT Training and Support at the university.”
What are you studying and working now?
I am studying my master’s in Accounting Education at the University of Cape Coast, where I completed my undergrad. I am currently writing my research project and searching for a job I can do alongside my volunteering, in order to support my family.
How did you learn about Alison?
While studying for my undergraduate, I decided to acquire skills in IT so I approached one of my lectures who introduced me to MOOCs. I was interested in Alison because it’s user-friendly.
What was your first course on Alison, and why did you choose it?
My first course of study with Alison was in Microsoft Office 2010, which I completed successfully. I chose Microsoft Office 2010 because I wanted to acquire skills in document processing, presentation, databases and spreadsheets.
How have Alison courses affected your career?
Alison is a catalyst for social change in the twenty-first century and I’m a proud member of the Alison community. Alison has given me the opportunity to acquire new skills outside of my discipline, which have helped me fit into a variety of workplaces.
Why do you want to become an Alison Ambassador?
I want to become an Alison Ambassador in order to spread the good news of Alison. I would like to bring online learning to the doorstep of new members by reaching them throughout the country. In addition, I want to negotiate with the management of schools in Ghana, especially tertiary institutions, so that they make good use of the Alison platform.
Why is free education so important?
Free education means guaranteed access to learning. This means that all students in the country can have access to a basic level of education. This way, no one will be illiterate. Education fees can discourage bright students from impoverished backgrounds and prevent them from making an important contribution to society. This represents a serious loss in the development of the individual, but also to universities and society as a whole.
What difference do you think Alison can make to your community?
Alison will influence the lives of people in my community by helping them acquire new skills or improve upon their current skills.
