Shaping Togo’s digital future: a summer of innovation in Lomé

From constructing robots to crafting initial lines of code and delving into artificial intelligence, the Summer Camp at Lomé Digital School is immersing young minds in the digital realm. Held in Lomé, Togo, this innovative program aims to cultivate the next generation of innovators.

At just 14 years old, Winner demonstrates remarkable precision as she manipulates motors, grippers, and electronic circuits. Alongside approximately twenty other children participating in this Lomé Summer Camp, she is exploring the fundamentals of robotics by assembling her very first prototype. Here, technology isn’t merely observed; it’s actively disassembled, experimented with, and built from a young age.

“I’m currently building a robotic hand, complete with grippers and a motor brain. Since the camp began, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of technology’s role in today’s world and the various components that make up a robotic hand or other tech devices,” shared Winner Koudjra, one of the enthusiastic participants.

Robotics, however, marks just the initial phase. A few hours later, Winner transitioned to a different classroom, shifting from hardware to software as her fingers danced across a keyboard.

“We are working on modifying a webpage to create an artificial intelligence. With what I’m learning here, my goal is to eventually develop my own website,” the young woman elaborated.

Beyond teaching coding, the school is also dedicated to narrowing the gender gap in the digital sector. Globally, women still represent only 35% of STEM graduates and a mere 26% of professionals in data and artificial intelligence, according to UNESCO. To tackle this disparity, the program prioritizes gender parity and offers scholarships to children from economically disadvantaged families.

“Our objective is to ensure that girls are exposed to these essential tools from an early age, so that in the future, we won’t need to implement quotas in the digital field. Beyond technical skills, we strive to cultivate critical thinking in these children,” affirmed Got’liebe Bataba, director of Lomé Digital School.

“I believe this is a truly wonderful opportunity, an initiative that deserves commendation. It provides our children with an early introduction to all aspects of technology,” commented Vanessa Lawson, a parent whose child is participating.

The ambition extends beyond mere digital literacy; it is about preparing the future architects of African solutions for tomorrow’s challenges.