With a just-concluded one-month TechTrek Bootcamp programme, the Street2School Initiative has complemented the efforts of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the First E&P Development Compa­ny at bringing about responsible and safe digital footprints across local communities in the country.

The programme saw over 30 pupils, aged nine to 17 trained in different coding programmes such as graphic designs, digital literacy and online safety; Arti­ficial Intelligence (into AI con­cepts) such as creative media, photography, video editing, con­tent creation, career chats, guest talks and lots more.

Oluwatosin Olowoyeye-Taiwo, founder, Street2School Initiative, stated that she cannot overem­phasise the importance of the TechTrek2025 Bootcamp for young people in their local com­munities as it has given learners access to digital skills, creativity and problem-solving tools that are essential in today’s world.

Coding, she said, is not just a technical skill, but a 21st century language of innovation, which must be harnessed by all, espe­cially children from underserved communities who often lack such opportunities.

“During the one-month Bootcamp (August 4 to 29), par­ticipants were taught both text-based and block-based program­ming languages such as Python, HTML, CSS, and Scratch. They were also challenged to think crit­ically and develop problem-solv­ing skills.

“Other highlights of the TechTrek Bootcamp included sessions on digital literacy and online safety, introduction to Ex­cel, Artificial Intelligence; The art of using social media cover­ing online ethics.”

Olowoyeye-Taiwo remarked further that a special highlight of the programme was the kind in­vitation of the learners and staff members by URAGA Real Estate for a one-day fun day at Upbeat Recreation Centre in Lekki.

“It was indeed a refreshing break our learners needed after an intensive week of coding as the children has so much fun with a lasting experience,” she said.