How a UNESCO laureate is empowering girls through ICT in Sri Lanka

Buy-in from policy-makers and educators crucial to expansion and sustainability.

Shilpa Sayura Foundation's new NextGen AI programme builds on the success of the Prize-winning NextGen Girls in Technology programme, and introduces a specialised AI and coding curriculum to girls aged 12 - 14.

Not stopping there, the programme provides training on AI and related concepts to ICT, maths and science teachers throughout the central province, so that they are empowered to effectively impart this knowledge and skills to their students.

As Poornima explains, the two-year programme is groundbreaking as it is spearheaded by the Province's Secretary of Education, who has committed to providing the infrastructure and logistical support to ensure its successful implementation.

"The central province's Ministry of Education has underscored the pivotal role of AI in fostering social change and emphasised the need for women to be better represented in Sri Lanka's tech sector."

"Importantly, the Secretary of Education has also expressed his intention to expand the programme to all 15 regions of the province, to maximize its impact and reach."

"For us, the credibility and exposure that we received as a laureate of the GWE Prize has been invaluable to establishing the relationship and trust needed to design and implement such an ambitious project in partnership with the Central Province's Ministry of Education," highlights Poornima.

First workshops a resounding success

NextGen AI held its first workshops for girls in March 2024 in the Nuwara Eliya region, which has a high proportion of students from disadvantaged communities and low socio-economic backgrounds.

Thanks to the workshops, girls were able to delve into AI concepts and engaged in hands-on coding sessions using MIT Scratch software.

"Despite limited access to computers at home, the enthusiasm among students was palpable - with many experiencing their first exposure to the world of coding and AI," says Poornima.

For 14-year-old Sadimini and 12-year-old Pibushaka, the workshops opened up a world of possibilities.

"Before, I didn't know anything about programming. But now feel like I can do ICT," said Sadimini.

"At Shilpa Sayura Foundation's NextGen AI programme, I learned about computers, AI and programming. Now I am confident that I can revolutionize programming and change what people use daily" said Pibushaka, who is determined to pursue this as a career.

Poornima credits the success of the workshops to the unwavering support of the region's education officials, ICT teachers and school principals, and the programme's mission to empower girls with the skills and confidence to pursue careers in technology and STEM - and teachers with the skills and knowledge to teach them.

"It is evident that this early exposure to technology significantly influences girls' career aspirations", says Poornima, noting that 64% of the girls surveyed at the end of the workshop said they now wanted to pursue studies and careers in STEM and ICT.

As she says: "It is so crucial to nurture and encourage this talent and enthusiasm. These girls have the potential to really drive long-term societal change through technology."

About the UNESCO Prize for Girls' and Women's Education

The UNESCO Prize for Girls' and Women's Education honours outstanding and innovative contributions made by individuals, institutions and organizations to advance girls' and women's education. It is the first UNESCO Prize of this nature and is unique in showcasing successful projects that improve and promote the educational prospects of girls and women and in turn, the quality of their lives.

The 2024 call for nominations closes on 24 May. See here for more information on the selection criteria and how to be nominated. Questions? Contact [email protected]

Launch of the 2024 Gender Report: Technology on her terms

The 2024 Gender Report will be launched on 25 April on Girls in ICT Day. The Director of the Global Education Monitoring Report Manos Antoninis will present the key findings and recommendations from the 2024 Gender Report during a high-level webinar organized by the African Union International Center for Girls and Women's Education in Africa (CIEFFA). The event will bring together experts and female leaders in the ICT and STEM fields to discuss how to bridge the gender gap in STEM education in Africa and leverage female leadership in the wake of AI.

The event will take place online from 11:00 am to 13:00 GMT, in collaboration with ImpactHer.