MOROGORO. Dr. Faith Shayo has called for greater efforts to build girls’ interest, confidence and enthusiasm in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), saying that creating interest is an important first step towards encouraging more girls to participate in technology.
Speaking during preparations for the ICT Boot Camp in Morogoro, Dr. Shayo said the programme is not primarily about providing girls with digital devices, but about helping them develop an interest in technology and understand its potential to improve their lives and communities.
She said access to devices remains important, but the immediate priority is to give girls the opportunity to learn, explore technology and develop the confidence to use it creatively.
“We want to build girls’ interest and enthusiasm in ICT. We want them to see that they can use technology to develop solutions to challenges in their communities,” she said.
Dr. Shayo said a key outcome of the programme is the establishment and strengthening of ICT Clubs in participating schools, providing girls with a space where they can continue learning, practising their skills and developing innovative ideas beyond the Boot Camp.
The programme is expected to reach 500 girls, with activities continuing after the Boot Camp. The girls will return to their schools and continue participating in ICT Club activities under the guidance of teachers and school leaders.
She said experts will continue visiting the schools to follow up on the progress of the clubs, while Project Coordinator Mr. Ginarious Ernest will also visit selected schools as part of the follow-up process.
Dr. Shayo said the practical nature of the Boot Camp is intended to help girls move beyond simply learning about technology and begin exploring how ICT can be used to address real challenges in their communities.
The Boot Camp is scheduled to officially begin tomorrow at Kilakala Secondary School in Morogoro, bringing together girls from 10 schools as part of the UNESCO-BNU project, “Closing the Digital Divide: Ensuring Gender-Transformative Digital Skills Education for Women and Girls.”
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