In an effort to help in increasing digital skills awareness among the youth, Computer Clinic Malawi in collaboration with the Robotics Foundation Limited, embarked on a journey of training 40 children with various skills.
The aim is to educate young children between the ages of 9 to 12 years of computer knowledge and skills which they need to acquire since the world is turning digital. The training took place for a period of 10 days from June 7th to 20th, 2023 at Biwi Primary School in Lilongwe.
The children were taught computer skills such as computer basics, keyboard and mouse proficiency, and practical software usage. Robotics Foundation has now taken over by teaching the learners more advanced skills like the Internet of Things (IoT) and robotics.
Speaking to one of the trainers Mtisunge Tebulo, mentioned that the training was a success since the children were all excited and very eager to learn. Their level of participation was high so they were very active and asked for clarification once they were not clear on a point.
“Some students required additional support and guidance, while others progressed at a faster rate,” said Tebulo.
As is the case with children this age, they become playful or make noise while the class is in session another trainer Ulalo Banda had this to say.
“Efforts were made to create a conducive learning environment by gently reminding the children to maintain an appropriate noise level, ensuring that everyone could hear instructions clearly.”
Random interviews with the children showed that most of them enjoyed the training and were excited to have a chance of learning computer skills at this young age. There were 23 boys and 17 girls.
“We have learned different types of computers, how to connect, switch on and off, type, even calculate mathematics using the calculator,” said a nine-year-old Gresham Chandiona.
Concurring with Gresham a std 4 12 years old Honesta Umali expressed her excitement in the knowledge she has acquired during the training. She further requested that it would be best if computer lessons were included in the curriculum.
The training was conducted at the library which was donated by the Ladders to Learning Foundation whose representative Yewo Gondwe hailed the project. She further said that in this digital era, it is imperative for children to start learning digital skills at a young age.