Gibrine (left) taking the students through the initiative
A student at Charlotte Latin School in North Carolina, Zaina Bint Gibrine, has introduced 3D printing technology to a basic school in Accra to enhance practical science and technology education.
Sparkling Stars International School, Accra, is the beneficiary of the initiative that seeks to equip students and teachers with hands-on skills in 3D printing and digital manufacturing.
Motivated by a desire to give back to her father’s homeland, Ms Gibrine travelled from the United States to Ghana to “adopt” the school and integrate modern manufacturing tools into its academic curriculum.
The project marks a significant step in exposing young Ghanaian learners to emerging technologies shaping global industries.
During her visit, Gibrine organised intensive training sessions for students and faculty, breaking down the fundamentals of 3D printing and guiding participants through practical demonstrations.
To ensure long-term impact and sustainability, she donated two fully equipped 3D printers, complete with accessories and printing filaments, to the school.
The donation enables Sparkling Stars International School to continue hands-on instruction in design, innovation and problem-solving beyond her stay.
The initiative was funded through a grassroots fundraising campaign spearheaded by Ms Gibrine, which mobilised support from donors in both the United States and Ghana.
Funds raised covered the procurement of high-quality 3D printing equipment, technical accessories, as well as travel and logistical costs to implement the programme on-site.
A representative of Sparkling Stars International School, speaking at a brief handover ceremony, described the project as timely and transformative, noting that it had equipped students and teachers “with the tools of the future.”
School authorities expressed profound appreciation for the gesture, stressing that the intervention goes beyond the donation of equipment to foster global connections and knowledge exchange.
They also indicated interest in a follow-up visit to deepen technical training and sustain the partnership.
With 3D printing, the school said it would influence students’ fields such as engineering, health, construction and manufacturing.
