On August 22, 2024, Mtoto News hosted the EdTech Children’s Pre-Summit Hackathon at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD). This event brought together 100 children from across Kenya, providing them with a platform to voice their ideas on how technology can revolutionize education. As a precursor to the Kenya EdTech Summit 2024, the hackathon emphasized the importance of integrating children’s perspectives in shaping the future of education in Kenya and East Africa.
The pre-summit was driven by the belief that children should play an active role in the decisions that impact their learning experiences. The participating children engaged in a series of workshops and collaborative discussions, where they tackled key educational challenges through innovative thinking. Their efforts were focused on five critical areas:
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI): The children explored the potential of AI in creating personalized learning experiences tailored to individual needs. They also discussed the role AI could play in supporting children with special needs, ensuring that education is inclusive and accessible to all.
2. Child Participation: The young participants brainstormed ways to ensure their voices are considered in educational policymaking. They proposed the development of child-friendly digital platforms where their opinions could be heard and valued in decision-making processes.
3. Ending Violence Against Children: Recognizing the importance of a safe learning environment, the children proposed an app called “ChildGuard,” designed to educate children on their rights, provide a mechanism for reporting violence, and connect them with safe spaces.
4. Education and Culture: The discussions also touched on the role of technology in bridging cultural divides and promoting inclusivity in education. The children proposed a web app named Sky-Viewers that offers educational resources in multiple languages, catering to children from diverse cultural backgrounds.
5. Future of Work: Looking ahead to their future careers, the children envisioned how technology could guide them in making informed career choices. They suggested a game-based career guide that would allow them to explore various professions in an engaging and interactive manner.
By the end of the hackathon, the children had developed tangible solutions that they believe could significantly impact the educational landscape. These ideas will be presented at the main EdTech Summit in September, where the children hope to influence educators, policymakers, and technology experts.
This pre-summit showed the importance of involving children in discussions about their education. The participants demonstrated that they are not merely passive recipients of education but active contributors with the potential to shape the future of learning through technology.
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