Bridging the Digital Divide with Playful Computing
Given the limited access to computing devices and formal digital education in many Nigerian schools, Ingenuity Day centered around the Playful Computing Curriculum—an award-winning, unplugged approach to teaching computational thinking. Unlike traditional methods that rely on direct computer interaction, this innovative curriculum helps students grasp fundamental computing concepts through interactive, hands-on activities that do not require immediate access to technology.
By adopting this approach, Kucheza Gaming aims to bridge the digital divide and empower teachers with the tools to deliver high-quality STEM education, even in resource-constrained environments. Teachers were guided through creative exercises, learning how to integrate game-based learning techniques into their lesson plans, ensuring students can develop computational thinking skills in an engaging and intuitive way.
Empowering Educators for a Technology-Driven Future
During the event, Gbenga Folorunsho, Impact as a Service Lead at Kucheza Gaming, emphasized the crucial role of teachers in driving educational transformation.
“Teachers are the catalysts for educational change. By introducing game-based learning and digital literacy, we are equipping educators with the necessary skills to prepare students for a technology-driven future. We are immensely grateful to the French Embassy in Nigeria for their support, which has played a crucial role in making this initiative a reality.”
The French Embassy in Nigeria, a key sponsor of the initiative, also highlighted the significance of the program in shaping the next generation of digital innovators.
“We are proud to support Kucheza’s Playful Computing Program in schools. This initiative merges education and play, allowing young learners to engage with computing concepts through video games. Kucheza Gaming is leveraging students' natural interests to guide them toward meaningful learning experiences. We hope these methodologies will gain wider adoption in Nigerian classrooms.”
Introducing the Kucheza Teachers Track: A Long-Term Commitment to Educator Growth
One of the key announcements at Ingenuity Day was the launch of the Kucheza Teachers Track—a comprehensive, long-term professional development initiative designed to provide ongoing mentorship, resources, and specialized workshops for teachers. This initiative aims to ensure the sustainability of game-based learning practices and further embed digital literacy into the Nigerian education system.
Through this program, teachers will have continued access to expert guidance, helping them refine their teaching strategies and integrate computational thinking exercises into their classrooms.
Next Steps: Bringing Playful Computing to Schools
Following the successful training session, selected teachers will begin implementing Playful Computing workshops in their respective schools. These educators will serve as pioneers in game-based learning, ensuring that thousands of students across Lagos gain access to engaging, interactive computing education.
By equipping teachers with practical skills and internationally recognized teaching methods, Kucheza Gaming’s Teachers’ Ingenuity Day marks a major step toward preparing Nigerian youth for the digital future. Through partnerships with global educational leaders like Ukie Digital Schoolhouse and Nintendo UK, this initiative not only showcases career pathways in gaming and technology but also ensures that game-based learning becomes an integral part of Nigeria’s educational landscape.