Enhancing digital access through STEM/ICT education with Zee Tech Foundation

Project status: Closed

Country: Nigeria

Partner: Zee Tech Foundation

Impact goal: 200 people

About the project

Bauchi State, located in north-eastern Nigeria, faces significant challenges in terms of digital access and educational opportunities. According to recent statistics, approximately 75% of the population in Bauchi L.G.A lacks access to computers and the internet. This digital divide hampers students' ability to explore educational resources, engage in online learning, and acquire crucial digital skills. Furthermore, only a limited number of schools in the area have computer labs, which are often overcrowded and insufficient to cater to the needs of all students. The EDASE project aims to address these gaps by providing a dedicated STEM lab equipped with computers and internet connectivity.

Results

Approximately 540 secondary school students directly benefited from this project. These students gained access to the ICT/STEM lab equipped with computers and  internet connectivity, which provided them with numerous educational opportunities. The  project results benefited them in several ways

1. Enhanced Digital Literacy: Students developed essential digital literacy skills, including computer proficiency, internet navigation, and the use of digital tools and  resources. This equipped them with the necessary skills to thrive in an increasingly digital world. 
2. Access to Educational Resources: The project provided students with access to a wide  range of online educational resources, including e-books, academic journals,  educational videos, and interactive learning platforms. This expanded their learning opportunities beyond the traditional classroom setting. 
3. Hands-On STEM Experience: Students engaged in hands-on activities and experiments in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects, fostering a  deeper understanding of these disciplines and sparking interest in STEM-related fields. 
4. Academic Improvement: Access to the ICT/STEM lab and its resources contributed to improved academic performance among students. They were able to conduct  research, complete assignments, and study more effectively, leading to better grades and academic achievements. 
5. Career Readiness: The project prepared students for future career opportunities by equipping them with relevant digital and STEM skills. This increased their  competitiveness in the job market and opened doors to potential careers in  technology, engineering, and other STEM-related fields.

During the implementation of the project, there were no major changes to the aims or core  activities outlined in the funding application. However, there were some minor adjustments  made to the project activities based on feedback received during the implementation phase. These adjustments were aimed at optimizing the project's effectiveness and ensuring maximum  impact. 

One notable change was the introduction of additional workshops and hands-on sessions in  response to the specific needs and interests of the students. Through regular assessments and feedback sessions, it became apparent that certain STEM topics generated more enthusiasm  among the students. Therefore, additional workshops and activities were organized to delve  deeper into these topics and provide students with more opportunities for hands-on learning  and exploration. 

Furthermore, there was a slight modification in the scheduling of some activities to  accommodate the availability of resources and participants. Flexibility in scheduling was  essential to ensure the smooth execution of workshops, seminars, and other educational sessions, particularly considering the varying timetables of participating schools and the availability of volunteer trainers.

Overall, while the core objectives and activities of the project remained consistent, minor  adjustments were made during implementation to enhance the project's effectiveness and better  meet the needs of the students and participating schools. These changes were driven by a commitment to delivering the most impactful outcomes and ensuring the success of the project.

Challenges

There was a significant unforeseen challenge encountered throughout the project that posed  a significant obstacle to its implementation. One of the most notable challenges was the  unstable electricity supply in the region where the project was based. Despite efforts to mitigate  this issue, including reliance on generators as an alternative power source, frequent power  outages disrupted the continuity of learning sessions and affected the overall effectiveness of  the project.

About the partner

Zee Tech Foundation is a youth-focused NGO that aims to promote digital literacy across under-served urban and rural communities. The organization was founded in 2020, and has since been supporting these under-served communities to harness ICT for learning and development.

Visit Zee Tech Foundation's website here to learn more about them.