In the past, technology was understood in limited, significant ways, but now you cannot find or do anything effectively without utilizing technology, as it plays a crucial role in increasing productivity and reducing risks and efforts involved in tasks that previously yielded minimal results.
Alice Umugwaneza, 18 years old, is among those who understood this early after having the opportunity to study it at the Rwanda Coding Academy in Nyabihu District, contributing to the creation and development of various programs used by many.
This girl, who is in her final year of secondary school, had the idea to establish a group called Spring Initiative, where she collaborates with her peers to teach technology to young children in primary schools. They help them reach a level where they can build their own programs with lessons tailored to their level, fostering a love for technology.
In an exclusive interview with Kura, Alice Umugwaneza confirmed that after discovering the benefits of technology and having the opportunity to continually gain knowledge, she chose to share it with others, especially starting with young children to support them in achieving their dreams.
She said, “I fully understood the value of technology after studying at the Rwanda Coding Academy in Nyabihu for two years. I continued to see that there is a gap between those who know it and those who don’t, especially outside the city.”
“I had an idea after training with TechGirls, organized by America and Legacy International, provided to girls studying science and technology, STEM. We were taught how to use that knowledge to solve community problems, especially for girls. We were reminded that we are capable.”
Umugwaneza says that after gaining that knowledge, she woke up to the idea of sharing it with her peers, aided by her school, which eventually led to sharing it with young children in primary schools.
She added, “When I came back, I was ready to share that knowledge with my peers and address the issue that worried me, which was the gap in technology knowledge. I started Spring Initiative with the help of my peers at Rwanda Coding Academy and the school’s administration.”
“We teach young children in Nyabihu, teaching them computer skills and programming. You can see that the children have learned to build their own educational games on computers themselves, even though it was their first time seeing a computer.”
Alice Umugwaneza did not only think about helping young children in technology but also contributed to creating a program that helps teachers in vocational and technical schools to apply for jobs and properly store their teaching materials in a project by Rwanda TVET Board.
Together with her peers, she also contributed to creating a program that helps miners to know if there is an issue with those working in mining, where they are located, and the necessary assistance needed. This is communicated through alert messages sent to mobile phones or computers, or to know the market and the minerals in demand.
Currently, she has taught 20 children in Nyabihu District about technology, so they have knowledge on using computers and building educational games that stimulate children’s minds and curiosity, a concept she hopes everyone will support as much as they can.
