ACCESS TO INNOVATIVE TECH SOLUTIONS - ANOVTECH PROJECT

Unlocking access to technology for children in Africa is essential for their education, personal development, and economic prosperity of Africa in the digital world. While there exist numerous challenges to technology access, particularly for children, the lack of educational provision at childhood level concerning the responsible use of technology is a substantial barrier in its development in Africa. In a fast growing tech education age, the lack of technology education and skills for Africa’s children is a significant barrier to their overall education and development. For children to positively harness the benefits of technology, there is a need for education in how to effectively utilize the tools as well as overcome the energy gaps that limit access. Even if access to technology is gained through mostly cost-effective means, the lack of know-how will result in underuse and waste. Research suggests that only one in twenty Nigerian and one in forty Cameroon children under 15 have access to technology and one in thirty in displaced communities understand the basics of a computer. According to a research carried out by Partners for Community Development Initiative, a Cameroon based NGO, close to 60% of schools have no computer, and of those that have computers, 50% have two or less.

ANOVTECH is designed to increase access to computers and tech skills for children, train teachers on educational IT solutions, and unlock the tech potentials of children while minimizing the adverse impact of increasing use of tech solutions. The project leverages solar energy to overcome energy deficiency in targeted countries. Responsible access to technology and the internet, in particular, provide many opportunities for children in Africa to connect with knowledge systems. Technology levels the playing field, allowing children to access a wealth of knowledge, connect globally with peers, and access a world of music, educational games, and arts – previously out of reach due to cost and infrastructural limitations. ANOVTECH will prioritize the integration of technology into teaching and learning activities in schools and communities. The ANOVTECH Project reinforces the existing work of the foundation in providing didactic material support to children to enhance their learning experience.

Innovative School Tech Solution: The lack of technology training in schools in Africa is a significant challenge that affects the educational opportunities and future prospects of students on the continent. Many schools in Africa lack the necessary infrastructure to support technology training. This includes access to computers, internet connectivity, and reliable electricity, which are essential for incorporating technology into the curriculum. The ANOVTECH school tech solution is a school-centered mobile tech lab that empowers every child with a one-to-one laptop experience. This innovative approach leverages sustainable solar energy to power the hardware, ensuring consistent access to technology education and minimizing environmental impact.

Mobile Tech Learning Solution: 

The digital divide is a global issue which affects forcibly displaced people on a variety of levels. For children and young people, access to ICT provides multiple benefits in terms of education, social connectedness, and potentially a creative outlet. A significant gap exists with digital literacy and digital skills for displaced children, though children generally lack access to ICT solutions in Africa. The ANOVTECH mobile tech learning solution takes technology to displaced children, providing them an opportunity to learn ICT tools, enhancing their knowledge, and fostering interaction with computers, otherwise not available in schools. Each student or displaced child will have an opportunity to use a Chromebook designed with the necessary educational tools to enhance the child’s tech experience. This near-home model of tech learning solution allows kids who will otherwise be dealing with displacement-based trauma issues, to be active and unlock their hidden tech skills.

The Atem Foundation Resource and Empowerment Center is a hub for learning and provides students and communities with tools and opportunities to strengthen their resolve for excellence. Housing an ICT training facility, the center serves as a support system and provides the necessary resources for the accomplishment of ANOVTECH.