In the heart of Gambari, Kiddies Droid spearheaded a remarkable initiative, “Street Code,” leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of education and technology. This groundbreaking program, spanning five days, opened the doors of opportunity for over 500 students, transforming not just their skills but their outlook towards the future.
What awaited them was more than a tech class; it was an adventure that promised to unlock the world of coding, robotics, and digital literacy. With a vibrant opening ceremony, the event kicked off in style. It wasn’t just about tech; it was about making a mark on the canvas of these young minds.
Lights, Camera, Tech-Tion
The Opening Ceremony With a vibrant opening ceremony, the event kicked off in style. It wasn’t just about tech; it was about making a mark on the canvas of these young minds. It was a moment of pride for Gambari, a moment that marked the beginning of something big. Amid cheers and applause, the kids were introduced to what they were about to dive into. The air was filled with a sense of wonder and possibility. For most of these young learners, it was their first step into the world of tech.
A press conference followed, where community leaders, the visionary behind “The Gambari Project” (Mr. Uzo), and the local press converged. Mr. Uzo, with passion in his voice, spoke about his dream of equipping children and women with vital tech skills for the 21st-century workplace. He wasn’t just launching a project; he was igniting a flame of learning.
Robotics: A Voyage into the Future
Under Ms Chioma and the team’s guidance, the children delved into the magical world of coding for robots. These weren’t your typical robots; they were programmed using Arduino, a platform that’s revolutionizing tech education. The kids quickly discovered that they had the power to breathe life into these mechanical marvels. The challenge was clear: build an obstacle-detection car. These young engineers, armed with laptops, wires, and a dash of courage, set out to conquer the tech world. The result? Robots that not only moved but sensed obstacles in their path. It was a standing ovation-worthy achievement.
Gadget Cadaver
On the fourth day of “Street Code, The Gambari Project,” children from the Gambari community were guided by the Kiddies Droid team in hands-on tech exploration, exploring mobile phones and laptops. Led by Mr. Shogo, they delved into the internal components of mobile phones, understanding the motherboard as the device’s heart and the screen, battery, and camera as vital organs. In a parallel class, young tech enthusiasts, under the guidance of instructors Mr. Midas and Mr. Ade, dissected and reassembled laptops, breaking down their perceived complexity.
Emphasizing the importance of understanding internal components, the instructors likened it to maintaining a car. The children, armed with tools, successfully reconstructed the laptop, demystifying its complexities and gaining empowerment in comprehending and constructing such devices.
Techie Hygiene
Leading the charge was SHEAD (Society for Health & Environmental Awareness and Development.) Their mission was to sensitize the students about the importance of health and hygiene, a message that extended beyond just physical well-being. It was about nurturing a holistic sense of health, encompassing both the body and the mind.
One of the key aspects of the health talk was a deep dive into Hepatitis B, a virus that’s often underestimated and misunderstood. The students were educated on how this virus spreads, the potential consequences of infection, and most importantly, how to protect themselves. Knowledge became their armour.
One of the most crucial parts of the day was an open conversation about menstrual hygiene, and this was especially significant for the female students. In many communities, this topic remains shrouded in secrecy and stigma. The Gambari Project was here to change that. The session was not just about distributing menstrual care kits; it was about smashing the silence surrounding menstruation. The young girls were encouraged to ask questions, share their concerns, and learn about the importance of proper menstrual hygiene. It was a step towards embracing their womanhood with confidence. The result? Smiles and a sense of liberation. The female students were grateful for the opportunity to discuss a topic that’s often considered off-limits.
Bouncing to Stardom
In Gambari, children embarked on an exhilarating adventure conquering the “Castle.” What seemed like an ordinary bouncing castle became a magical fortress, where kids unlocked their potential with each bounce. The structure symbolized a stage for dreams to soar higher, feel the wind, and touch the sky. The participants, faces lit with excitement, engaged in a thrilling adventure of flips, twists, and gravity-defying jumps.
Beyond the bouncing castle, a trampoline awaited, offering a different kind of thrill and serving as a launchpad to endless possibilities. Each jump, twist, and flip became a testament to the children’s courage and determination, showcasing their ability to defy gravity and reach for the stars.
Groove Extravaganza
The grand finale of “Street Code, The Gambari Project” marked a spectacular celebration of a week filled with tech exploration, learning, and community spirit. The festivities kicked off with a lively dance performance, showcasing the infectious enthusiasm of Gambari’s young talents. The day was a vibrant blend of traditional and contemporary dance moves, echoing the rhythm of the children’s dreams and symbolizing a brighter future.
As cheers and applause filled the air, the community celebrated the potential within these budding performers. The joy continued with sports and games, where the children demonstrated their skills and sportsmanship on table tennis tables, trampolines, and bouncing castles. The event also featured face painting and art sessions, merging creativity with technology, resulting in a beautiful blend of colors and smiles. The grand finale encapsulated the essence of the Gambari Project—a joyful amalgamation of learning, fun, and lasting memories for the community’s children.
Scholarships
The culmination of Street Code at Gambari brought forth a unique and heartwarming initiative that elevated the impact beyond the program’s immediate duration. To add an extra layer of significance and make the occasion truly exceptional, Kiddies Droid took a step further by offering scholarships to some of the school leavers. This gesture wasn’t just a closing note; it was a profound investment in the dreams and aspirations of these young minds. For these school leavers, it marked the realization of a dream—a dream to delve deeper into the realm of technology, to enhance their skills, and to chart a course towards a future where their potential could be fully realized.
The scholarships opened doors that might have otherwise remained closed, providing a pathway for these bright minds to receive comprehensive education at Kiddies Droid. It was a poignant moment of empowerment, where the trajectory of these students’ lives took a transformative turn. Imagine the joy and excitement radiating from these students as they embraced the opportunity to continue their educational journey in the vibrant world of technology. Beyond the confines of conventional learning, they stepped into a hub where creativity, innovation, and knowledge converged.
For Kiddies Droid, this initiative wasn’t just about imparting skills during the Street Code program; it was about fostering a sustained and meaningful impact. These scholarships were a bridge to a future where these students could become catalysts for change, armed with the technological prowess gained at Kiddies Droid.
Party Packs
In a touching moment during the culmination of activities at Gambari, care packs filled with love and essential items (like food, drinks, exercise books and menstrual care packs for the female students) were distributed to the children of the community. Each pack, carefully prepared, served as a symbol of hope and support, ensuring that every child could experience the warmth of the occasion. The thoughtful inclusion of menstrual pads for young girls addressed a crucial aspect of their well-being, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive care.
As the children eagerly unwrapped their care packs, their eyes lit up with excitement, discovering treats like food and drinks that nourished their bodies and brought joy. The exercise notebooks in the packs symbolized the promise of continued learning, a reminder that knowledge is a gift that keeps on giving. Notably, the inclusiveness and generosity of Kiddies Droid stood out, as even children not part of the training program were not left out, showcasing a beautiful display of kindness and the belief that the spirit of giving and togetherness knows no boundaries.
The VIP Parade
At the Gambari Project, we experienced visits by VIPs and their representatives and this is a testament to how the community dignitaries embraced “Street Code” Esteemed dignitaries, community leaders, and partners all showed up to lend their support and share their wisdom with the young talents. The VIPs who graced the occasion were not just notable figures; they were the heroes of the community. They included the Imam of the Gambari Community, Pastor Ayo Omotosho of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly, community leaders and representatives from partner organisations.
These were the individuals who were not just spectators but active participants in shaping a tech-driven future for the community. Speeches filled the morning air, each one more inspiring than the last. The Imam of Gambari spoke of unity and the importance of embracing technology while staying rooted in the values of the community. His words resonated with the crowd, and there was a collective nod of agreement. Also representing the Community leaders, the President of Balogun Gambari Youth Movement echoed the sentiment, emphasising the role of education and technology in the growth of Gambari. They acknowledged the work done by Kiddies Droid and pledged their continued support in making the tech hub’s initiatives a reality.
Our Supporters
The partners who had played a pivotal role in making “Street Code” a success were not to be left out. They expressed their delight in being part of the project, highlighting how these initiatives aligned with their vision for community development. The representatives from these partner organisations spoke of the need for more such programs, emphasising the transformative power of education. They pledged their ongoing support for similar initiatives and promised to continue working hand in hand with Kiddies Droid.






Our Volunteers
The heart of Kiddies Droid’s mission has always been to nurture and inspire the next generation of tech-savvy minds. In the heart of Ilorin, Nigeria, there is a remarkable group of young individuals who embody the spirit of this mission. These are the children-volunteers, who, after being students of Kiddies Droid themselves, have now taken on the role of mentors and educators. These young individuals, once eager learners themselves, now serve as mentors and educators, experiencing the joy of positively impacting others.
The transformation from students to mentors has brought a sense of pride as they inspire a new generation with the same curiosity and enthusiasm they once had. This journey goes beyond teaching; it involves valuable lessons in patience, understanding that everyone learns at their own pace, celebrating small victories, and offering unwavering support. Moreover, the art of teaching has sharpened their own understanding, enabling them to simplify complex concepts and make technology accessible to beginners. These young mentors go beyond imparting tech skills; they instill confidence, curiosity, and a growth mindset, conveying that technology is not a distant dream but a tangible reality for everyone to embrace.
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