In August 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to facilitate the Bloom Project in Isheri Town Hall, Lagos, a leadership and mentoring initiative for underserved children in the Isheri community. Over the course of two days, we delved into the world of technology and coding, opening up a realm of possibilities for these young minds who were eager to learn, create, and explore.
Day 1: Sparking Creativity with Scratch Junior The first day was all about creativity and fun with children aged 5 to 11 years. We explored Scratch Junior, a simple, yet powerful tool that helps kids understand the foundations of coding while allowing them to build their own games. Watching their faces light up as they learned how to create animated characters and move them around the screen was truly heartwarming.
To add to the excitement, we had a drawing session where the kids sketched their own characters—heroes, animals, and robots—all of which they later animated using Scratch Junior. The joy and pride in their work were contagious. By the end of the day, I could see the confidence building in these young coders, eager to bring their imaginations to life through technology.
Day 2: The Magic of Python For the older kids, aged 12 to 18, Day 2 was a bit more advanced. We dove into Python programming, introducing them to the world of text-based coding. They learned how to write simple programs, like “Hello, World!” and basic math operations, all while discussing how these skills can be used to solve real-world problems.
The “magic of Python” captivated them. Seeing them blown away by how a few lines of code could create powerful solutions filled me with hope for the future. We talked about how they can use coding to solve challenges in their communities, and their curiosity and enthusiasm were inspiring.
Moving Forward: The Journey Doesn’t End Here Throughout both days, it became clear that these children have immense potential. I encouraged them to continue learning, even after the program, by enrolling in free resources that can help them further their skills. It’s important that they understand that coding is a tool for empowerment—a way to turn their dreams into reality.
This experience was not just about teaching technology. It was about showing these kids that, despite their circumstances, they have the power to become innovators, leaders, and change-makers in their communities. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for these bright minds!
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