The most asked question and most said statement while we were at Victory College, Ikare, was: "Do you understand? Let me know if you want me to go over it again!" Our mission was to introduce the students to the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) using PictoBlox. We worked with 50 students, a diverse mix of male and female, both creative and technical, quiet and hyperactive — dividing them into ten teams to ensure hands-on learning and collaboration. We started from the very basics: defining AI and its real-world applications and understanding the importance of AI in today's world. Introducing Machine Learning, its types (supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning), and its applications. With this solid foundation, the students were ready to embark on their own AI-powered projects. Each team took on a unique project that tackled real-world problems in their school or community: Team 1 - Alpha: Detecting Bad Fruits Using AI. Team 2 - Bravo: Interactive Classroom Information Display Using Finger Gestures. Team 3 - Delta: Interactive Classroom Items Learning Using Object Detection. Team 4 - Echo: AI Chatbot for Mental Health Advice & Support. Team 5 - Foxtrot: Interactive School History Chatbot. Team 6 - Golf: Interactive Town Information Chatbot. Team 7 - Kilo: Smart Attendance System with Face Recognition. Team 8 - Oscar: Determining Weather Conditions Using AI. Team 9 - Sierra: Detecting Plant Health Using AI. Team 10 - Quebec: Sorting Recyclable Materials Using AI. Beyond just learning AI concepts, our goal was to empower these students to think outside the box—analyzing everyday challenges and solving them in innovative, analytical, and creative ways. And we did exactly that. The excitement, curiosity, and enthusiasm from the students confirmed one thing: The future of AI in Nigeria is bright, and we will start with young minds like these.

I READ, I KNOW, I'M WISE! This chant echoed throughout the three-day reading boot camp, a program designed to cultivate a love for books. Boys and girls between the ages of 6 and 12 gathered, many of them showcasing their passion for literature by bringing along their favourite reads, fiction, epilogues, memoirs, and even manga. One particularly enthusiastic reader proudly displayed his collection of Supa Strikas comics, and it sparked excitement among his peers. SeedDev, as a technical partner, made the event more than just a reading club; it was a transformative experience. Children participated in engaging reading sessions, spelling bees, writing articles, group activities, and a thrilling treasure hunt. But beyond these traditional literacy activities, the program embraced a forward-thinking approach, integrating digital literacy and discussions about the evolving landscape of work. During the interactive sessions, the young readers discovered fun facts about computer history, from the earliest mechanical calculators to the supercomputers of today. They learned about the importance of digital skills and how reading habits can be enhanced with modern tools. Demonstrations on using Kindle devices opened their eyes to the convenience of e-books, while hands-on tutorials introduced them to computer shortcuts. One of the most enlightening discussions revolved around the internet as a vast repository of knowledge. The children were guided on how to use online resources responsibly, distinguish credible sources from misinformation, and explore platforms that foster learning. They were introduced to digital libraries, audiobooks, and educational platforms that can help expand their reading habits beyond physical books. As technology continues to redefine industries, the ability to navigate and interpret digital content will be as valuable as the ability to read a physical book. The children left with not only new books but also new perspectives on how reading can be a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. As the chants of "I READ, I KNOW, I'M WISE!" filled the air, it became evident that this program had left a good mark. These young readers are not just consuming stories; they are preparing to shape the future with the knowledge they acquire today. And that, truly, is the magic of reading.

Chère Amie / Cher Ami, Je m'appelle Mame Ndiaye SENE, je viens du Sénégal plus précisément de Dakar, en Afrique de l’Ouest. Je suis âgée de 32 ans. Je voulais prendre un moment pour t'écrire cette lettre. Même si nous ne nous connaissons pas, je tiens à te dire que je pense à toi et que tu es important. Je sais que la vie peut être difficile et que parfois, il peut sembler que les obstacles sont trop grands à surmonter. Mais sache que tu as en toi une force incroyable, une résilience qui te permettra de surmonter les défis. Chaque jour est une nouvelle opportunité d'apprendre, de grandir et de rêver. L'éducation est une clé importante pour ouvrir de nombreuses portes dans la vie. Si tu as la chance d'aller à l'école, je t'encourage à étudier avec détermination. Apprends tout ce que tu peux, non seulement pour obtenir de bonnes notes, mais surtout pour acquérir des connaissances qui te permettront de réaliser tes rêves. Même si l'école peut sembler difficile, chaque leçon apprise te rapproche un peu plus de ton avenir. N'oublie jamais que tu n'es pas seul. Il y a des gens partout dans le monde qui se soucient de toi et qui croient en ton potentiel. Tu as des talents uniques et des rêves précieux. Continue à travailler dur, à être gentil avec les autres, et surtout, à croire en toi-même. Peu importe les difficultés que tu peux rencontrer, garde toujours espoir. L'espoir est une lumière qui peut illuminer même les jours les plus sombres. Crois en toi, suis tes rêves et souviens-toi que tu as la capacité de faire de grandes choses. Je te souhaite tout le meilleur dans tout ce que tu entreprends. Que ta vie soit remplie de bonheur, de réussite et d'amour. Avec toute mon amitié, Mame Ndiaye SENE

While the 2017 "Girl Child I.C.T empowerment Initiative" trained a 100 girls, the 2018 version of the project trained 400 girls. The project is organized annually in partnership with the office of the first lady of Ondo State to help empower young girls with digital and technological skills. During the 2018 summer boot camp we helped the students acquaint themselves with working with the computer, understanding the computer components, their individual functions and how they work together, we also trained the girls on the effective use of office productivity tools, such as power point, excel and Microsoft word. Also the girls were introduced to elementary computer programming, problem solving and game design with Kodu game Lab and Scratch Programming. The camp was a great success with a lot positive impact on the girls.

In Christ Anglican primary school, Aboto, 30 kids were trained using the SeedDEV Learning application. The kids were excited as most of them have not had to work with computers before. We are sparking the interest in these kids with the believe that in some years to come they would become innovators and inventors providing solution to African problems and challenges.

During the fourth week of the girl child I.C.T empowerment Initiative, the students were introduced to Game Design using Kodu Game Lab by Microsoft. They learnt to create simple games ranging from single player to double players games. They learnt to design competitive games as well put reward system in place for their games and using timers in their games.. This week ended the four week summer camp for the girls.