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

A team of five girls, with the Team Name, "Team Believe" are being mentored by us for the Technovation Challenge 2019. Technovation challenge brings girls together in teams globally in order to recognize and subsequently solve a problem in their communities using technology. The program is designed to help young girls learn about entrepreneurship and technology. The team of five girls came up with a solution named "BCReg" which is a mobile application designed to help solve the problem of birth registration in Nigeria.

In the heart of Ijero Ekiti, Ekiti state, Nigeria, lay a small community filled with dreams as vast as the African savannah. Their aspirations were limited by a digital divide that seemed insurmountable. But hope was on the horizon when a team of passionate educators and tech enthusiasts, SeedDev in partnership with Dzuels Foundation established a SeedBOX, with the sole purpose of bringing digital literacy to the town. We, at SeedDev, believe that "talents are equally distributed but opportunities are not" - 'Kitan David. With 24 eager children who had never touched a computer, we began a historic journey to write history and we can boldly say that they have moved from computer Novices to creative trailblazers in just a few weeks. We kicked off operations on the 1st of July 2023, and the first day of training was a sight to behold. Kids within the age range of 9 to 16 years were gathered in the SeedBox. Our experienced curators introduced them to the world of computers. They explained the basics: hardware, software, and the magic that happened when they worked together. The kids listened attentively, and their curiosity ignited. Our curators knew that, building digital literacy from ground zero required patience and creativity. We started with the basics: teaching the children how to use a mouse and keyboard. It was akin to introducing them to a new world language. The children stumbled and clicked randomly, but with perseverance, they began to understand. They learned to navigate the desktop and open files, and soon, they were typing words and sentences in simple documents. As the weeks passed, the children's skills grew. Curators introduced them to word processing using Google Docs, spreadsheet calculations with Google Sheets, and creating captivating presentations with Google Slides. The children wrote essays, calculated imaginary budgets, and delivered presentations on their favourite topics. Curators took it a notch higher, when they introduced the children to Scratch, a platform for coding and creating interactive stories, games, and animations. It was a moment of pure magic. The children's faces lit up as they learned to create their characters, code movements, and add sound effects. In their newfound digital playground, they unleashed their creativity, building games inspired by stories from their community. With each line of code, they were not only learning computer skills but also preserving their cultural heritage. Every small achievement was celebrated, and the children's confidence soared. They realized that the computer was not a distant and intimidating machine but a tool that could bring their dreams closer to reality. Days turned into months and the transformation is nothing short of remarkable. The children who once struggled to use a mouse are now confidently navigating the digital world. They can create documents, analyse data, and design games with ease. With the newfound digital literacy, the kids at Ijero have opened doors to a world of opportunities. They are no longer limited by the digital divide that had once held them back. "We understand the power of education and tech to transform lives and we remain committed to nurturing these kids' passion for learning, ensuring that the Ijero Ekiti project is just the beginning of a brighter future filled with endless possibilities." - Arinola Addo Daniel.

SeedDev Empowers Secondary Teachers and School Principals/Directors with Digital Literacy Training. In Ekiti State — SeedDev, is thrilled to announce the successful completion of a comprehensive digital literacy teachers' training program for secondary school teachers and school principals/directors at the SeedBox in Ijero-Ekiti. The training covered essential topics including Basic Computer Skills, Internet and Web Browsing, Productivity and Collaboration Software, and Video Conferencing tools like Zoom and Google Meet. The digital literacy training program has had a profound impact on the participants, enhancing their ability to integrate technology into their educational practices and administrative duties. Some of the notable impacts and success stories include: 1. Enhanced Digital Competency: Participants have gained confidence and competence in utilizing digital tools and resources effectively. This has resulted in a smoother transition to online teaching, administrative tasks, and communication with students, parents, and fellow educators. 2. Improved Educational Quality: With a better grasp of productivity and collaboration software, teachers are creating more engaging and interactive learning materials, leading to an improved quality of education for their students. 3. Efficient School Administration: School principals and directors have reported increased efficiency in administrative tasks, including record-keeping, communication, and online meetings, which has streamlined school operations. 4. Increased Digital Inclusion: The training has contributed to closing the digital divide in education, making digital resources and tools more accessible to students and educators in the region. SeedDev remains committed to its mission of empowering educators and professionals in emerging communities with digital skills. Due to the resounding success of this program, we are excited to announce plans for another digital literacy training program in the near future. The upcoming program will build on the foundation laid during this training, offering more advanced topics and further enhancing the digital skills of educators and school administrators. We will also continue to collaborate with our partners to expand the reach and impact of our initiatives. SeedDev extends its sincere gratitude to our partner, Dzuels Foundation and all participants who made this training program a success. Together, we are working towards a more digitally inclusive and empowered Africa. For more information about SeedDev and its initiatives, please visit www.seeddev.group/