The WDSFaI training programme, held yesterday at Noktel Hotel, Ilorin, had in attendance 60 Information Technology, IT-inclined educators from various schools across Kwara state, with the participants engaged in hands-on sessions and collaborative projects, which enabled them gain practical insights into the world of E-STEM and robotics education.

Micheal Joseph, a Robotics specialist who led the training, introduced the participating teachers to the world of robotics, educating them on the basic software and hardware devices used in robotics like LCDs, motors, sensors.

With the theoretical and practical knowledge received, the teachers were able to design and build some autonomous robots like a LED Light bar, intruder alarm, voice-controlled LED, ultrasonic robot and temperature monitoring system, using Arduino Uno, a micro-controller platform, and reusable materials.

Speaking on the need to introduce robotics into STEM education, Joseph said technology skills like coding and robotics have the power to change the world.

He added that it was important to instil in young students, curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills that will prepare them for the future of work.

Earlier in her address, Bakare Nafisat, the executive director of the Webfala Digital Skills for all Initiative, said the training programme was targeted at educators with limited knowledge of E-STEM and Robotics, and designed to provide them with basic technical and practical knowledge required to integrate E-STEM and Robotics into their classroom teaching.

Bakare explained that after the training, the teachers are expected to share the knowledge and skills they’ve acquired with their students.

She further disclosed that as part of efforts to support the growth of Robotics education in Kwara, her organization had selected 17 schools in the State that would be presented with free robotic kits, accompanied with specialized training sessions for their students at no cost.

“Additionally, we will be having a 4-weekend robotics training for children between the ages of 9 and 14, starting on 27 January 2024. This project is made possible by the support we received from the Pratt and Whitney and North American Association for Environmental Education. We appreciate them for their unwavering contributions to this programme. It is through their collaboration that we are here today ready to equip schools with the needed knowledge, abilities, and competencies needed for an innovative and sustainable future.

“Our aim with this project is to introduce young students to Robotics and equip with them knowledge and skills to solve problems through computational thinking and practical approach using robots. This project connects students with hands-on learning activities that will enable them to develop technical and problem-solving skills. At our organization, we believe that every child deserves an opportunity to be empowered and excel in this technology and innovation-driven world.

“Since its establishment in 2018, our organization has trained thousands of teachers, students and women in variety of STEM skills including web development, data analysis, graphics design, product design, among others,” she said.

One of the teachers who participated in the robotics training, Mr Kareem Aduagba of Ethical College, Ilorin, expressed appreciation to the organisers and promised to impart in his students skills and knowledge he gained during the training.

Another teacher, Osundeyi Comfort from Aderoju International schools, said she was delighted to have been selected to participate in the training, which she noted had emabled her gain insights into the world or E-STEM and robotics.

Launched in 2021, SEC is an initiative of the Scratch Foundation, USA, that supports and engages participating organizations from around the world in a two-year, collaborative cohort experience to strengthen their organization’s commitment to, and implementation of, equitable creative computing.

The Scratch Foundation is a non-profit dedicated to providing young people with digital tools and opportunities to imagine, create, share, and learn about the world of technology and coding. Through innovation and collaboration, the Scratch Foundation spreads creative, caring, collaborative, equitable approaches to coding and learning around the world.

In a statement jointly signed by its Director of Marketing Communications, Cartez Diaz Bariga, and Communications Content Manager, Annie Whitehouse, the Foundation disclosed that a total of 91organisations from over 20 countries will participate in the second cohort of SEC which will run for two years between 2022 and 2024.

“The SEC engages organizations in a two-year collaborative partnership designed to bring global advocates for creative coding opportunities to kids and teachers, particularly those from underserved communities, using the Scratch and ScratchJr platforms. The platforms had 18 million new users in 2021 – up to 22% from the previous year — and provide a free, safe digital space for learners to explore creative coding, develop computational skills and work collaboratively.

“In addition to working together and alongside the Scratch Team, SEC participants have the opportunity to engage and work with Scratch Partner organizations —which include DevTech Research Group, Harvard Graduate School of Education, and Micro:bit Educational Foundation.

“Scratch Partners are selected based on shared values and ethos and work deliberately to enhance Scratch’s impact around the globe. As part of the SEC experience, Scratch Partners facilitate workshops and support culturally sustaining communities through communication and collaboration with participants,” the statement reads in part.

Reacting to the selection of her organization for SEC, Mrs Bakare Nafisat, the Founder and Executive Director of Webfala Digital Skills for all Initiative, said “We are excited to join other innovators and educators across the globe for The Scratch Education Collaborative (SEC), to empower young people from marginalized communities with digital tools and opportunities to learn, create, innovate and express themselves through coding and technology.

“This initiative rightly connects with our commitment to empower underprivileged children, girls, youths and women in Nigeria (53% of whom live under the poverty line) with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and digital literacy skills that will enable them create their own future and compete favourably in this digital age.

“We appreciate The Scratch Foundation for providing us this opportunity to learn and also impact the lives of children from underserved communities. We look forward to learning, networking, growing and building an equitable world for all.”