A non-government organisation, Webfala Digital Skills For All Initiative has organised a one-day training workshop for selected 45 teachers of both public and private secondary schools in Kwara State to equip them with computer skills and art of imparting knowledge.
Speaking at the opening of the workshop in Ilorin on Thursday last week, the executive director of Webfala Digital Skills Initiative, Mrs Nafisat Bakare, said that the workshop which is in collaboration with a United States’ organisation, Scratch Foundation, was meant to equip teachers with necessary tools and knowledge to empower their students with what they need to excel in the future.
According to her the organisers of the workshop synergised to equip teachers with the necessary tools and knowledge to empower their students, as well as to celebrate the remarkable collaboration between the two firms.
“Together, we share a vision of providing children across the country with the essential digital skills they need to excel in our ever-evolving world. ”Mrs Bakare said.
She said that the intention of the two organisations was to unlock endless possibilities for young learners through the power of coding and art, saying that “by nurturing their creativity and problem-solving skills, we empower them to become active creators in the digital age.”
“We firmly believe that every child deserves the opportunity to develop these crucial skills, regardless of their background or circumstances,” she noted..
The director, while commending the teachers for their dedication and commitment toward nurturing the minds of the future leaders, said that their presence at the workshop showed their commitment to providing the best education possible.
He noted that the main objective of the groups was to equip teachers with the necessary expertise to inspire and guide their students in their coding and artistic endeavours,” she said.
She expressed gratitude to the Scratch Foundation for their unwavering support throughout the journey adding that, “it is through their collaboration that we are able to make a lasting impact on the lives of countless children.”
Highlight of the event was the launching of the book produced by the organisation entitled “Coding and Art: Scratch Your Brain and Crack the Codes.”
According to Bakare, “the book is a comprehensive guide meticulously crafted to introduce children to the exciting world of Scratch programming; from basic ICT concepts to the creation of intricate projects using art.”
She said that the launch of the book would strengthen the resolve to create a more inclusive digital future for all, saying, “Together, we can empower the next generation to embrace the boundless potential of technology and art.”
In his remark, the organisation’s Director of Communications and Strategy, Hameed Muritala, said it had become imperative for schools to include the teaching of digital skills in their curriculum to expose learners to opportunities in technology.
She stressed that acquiring digital skills is a must for every young person in this 21st century.
“In the primary and secondary schools across Nigeria, subjects like Mathematics, English Language and Biology are made compulsory subjects for every student; it is high time digital skills acquisition assumed that position too.
“Digital literacy will facilitate critical thinking, innovation, economic growth and development,” he added.
Some of the teachers who participated in the training programme appreciated the organisers and pledged to impart the knowledge and skills they acquired on their students.
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