The Future is Bright for African Children with STEAM and Web Development William Jackson, M.Ed.
WordCamp Organizer, Blogger, Advocate and Sponsor
My Quest To Teach
Developing and implementing STEAM Initiatives and Integrating Web Development is the key to developing Africa’s future of technology and digital innovation. As a teacher of 32 years and sponsoring students and teachers to attend WordCamp conferences I see the value of sponsoring youth, teens and young adults to be involved in a growing technological field. The growth of technology conferences and the integration of the diversity of STEAM being made available for African youth, teens and young adults to be involved in new areas of tech is important for growth economically,
educationally and even socially across the continent.
Professional educators in Africa are developing curriculums that are fun, engaged, relevant to the needs of African children and inclusive to the diverse needs of African children. Children of Africa need to see representation that looks like them, allows for mentoring and awareness in technology careers and as entrepreneurs. WordCamp conferences like WordCamp Nairobi Kenya
https://2019.nairobi.wordcamp.org/ and WordCamp Harare are opening new
doors for growth https://2019.harare.wordcamp.org/
The implementation of STEAM, STEM, STREAM and CSTREAM engagement allows for the building of critical and higher order thinking that children have naturally, but not sure how to apply these gifts. African children like American children many times do not understand how to apply and build on their brilliance. Kids, youth, teens and young adults are looking to be included in the opportunities that WordCamp conferences present and the combining of other tech conferences
across the continent in Africa.
Conferences are happening globally and even active in Latin America, Central America and South America. The same passion can be applied in Africa, The Americas and other places, African youth, teens and young
adults need an opportunity to grow.
They are preparing youth and teens to be the future leaders their nations will need. Providing global collaborations and building professional and personal networks. These opportunities should be inviting to youth and teens, bring diversity in learning engagement, fun and teaching skills that
are required in business, commerce and global enterprises.
Bursting at the doors African youth, teens and young adults are wanting to learn coding, programming, cyber-security and web development. Kids want to learn how to be entrepreneurs and business owners. One of the fastest growing business owners are African youth, teens and young adults they are Africa’s future. “The thirst for technology of young Africans” by Boubacar Diallo
shows how technology is changing lives and communication technologies
enable young entrepreneurs to create a better future.
African kids love technology just as kids from around the world and what the potential is for new business ideas. The future of tech is in the youth, teens and young adults that are learning in schools that have programs where learning can gain high salary careers, in order to “qualify” there needs to be the right education and mentorships. African children are dreaming digitally
of careers so they can provide for their families and create social changes.
African children must be able to engage in conferences where their minds are broadened, their skills are improved and sharpened and their fear of what is new is overcome. Conferences create an environment of innovation, creativity and discovery. All that is required is excitement, a love for learning
and creativity.
African children need to learn how to network, collaborate, cooperate and work with the diversity the world has to offer. Tech provides building a world of discovery and innovation, and working together to accomplish goals and building future dreams in careers, business and as entrepreneurs. Children are learning about development, web design, coding, java script, Podcasting, Vblogging, Microblogging and other related skills. Kids will walk
away from tech conferences confident and empowered.
Building on being a thought leader, critical thinker and innovative designer for business and community influencer. African parents start this process by attending conferences involving STEM and STEAM, the future is bright and
growing for African youth, teens and young adults.
If you’re interested in helping to sponsor youth, teens and young adults to attend WordCamp conferences in Africa and Central America contact me and lets collaborate
William Jackson, M.Ed. [email protected]
William is the digital innovator for his brand My Quest To Teach using the hashtag #MyQuestToTeach sharing his journey teaching, mentoring,
community activism and community collaborations.