Togo’s young innovators: coding the future in Lomé

In the vibrant city of Lomé, a new generation is actively shaping its future through technology. The Lomé Digital School’s Summer Camp is immersing children in the digital realm, from building robots to crafting initial lines of code and exploring artificial intelligence. The ambitious goal is clear: cultivate the innovators who will drive tomorrow’s advancements.

At just 14 years old, Winner demonstrates remarkable precision as she manipulates motors, grippers, and electronic circuits. Alongside approximately twenty other children at this Lomé Summer Camp, she is delving into the fundamentals of robotics by constructing her very first prototype. Here, technology isn’t just observed; it’s disassembled, experimented with, and built from the ground up, even for the youngest participants.

“I’m currently assembling a robotic hand, complete with grippers and a motor brain. Since the camp began, I’ve gained insights into technology’s crucial role in our contemporary world and understood the components that make up a robotic hand or other technological devices,” shared Winner Koudjra, one of the enthusiastic participants.

However, robotics is merely the initial phase of their learning journey. Just a few hours later, a shift in environment occurs: Winner transitions from hardware to software, her fingers now poised over a keyboard.

“We are working on modifying a webpage to integrate artificial intelligence. With the knowledge I’m acquiring here, I aspire to create my own website in the future,” the young woman added, outlining her digital aspirations.

Beyond technical coding skills, the Lomé Digital School is also committed to narrowing the digital divide between girls and boys. UNESCO data indicates that women still constitute only 35% of STEM graduates globally and a mere 26% of professionals in data science and artificial intelligence. To address this disparity, the program actively promotes gender parity and offers scholarships to children from economically modest families.

“Our core philosophy is to ensure that girls are exposed to these essential tools from an early age, preventing the need to impose quotas in the digital sector later on. Beyond technical proficiency, we are dedicated to fostering critical thinking abilities in these children,” affirmed Got’liebe Bataba, the director of Lomé Digital School.

“I view this as an exceptional opportunity. It’s an initiative that truly deserves commendation. It provides our children with an early introduction to all aspects of technology,” commented Vanessa Lawson, a parent of one of the participants.

The camp’s vision extends beyond mere digital literacy; it aims to prepare the next generation to be the innovative architects of future African solutions.