USER PERSPECTIVES ON A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT: ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF EMPOWER PLAYGROUND’S PLAY SYSTEMS ON THE PEDIATORKOPE ISLAND IN GHANA

Abstract

Ghana has challenges with providing reliable access to electricity for its citizens. Sporadic power outages mean that for many hours during the day, households, businesses and industries have limited or no access to electricity. This study assesses the impact of a technology-oriented development project by Empower Playgrounds Inc. for school children who lack access to electricity on the Pediatorkope Island in Ghana. Through interviews, focus group discussion and participant observation with children and other stakeholders, the impact, successes and challenges of EPI’s project were measured using Sen’s capability approach as a framework. Findings suggest that not all students received full benefits and although the project has some successes, there were challenges with lamp distribution and a lack of effective monitoring and evaluation. This research provides some insight into social contexts in which technology embedded projects function and document ways in which development projects targeted at children can provide maximum benefits.