FutureZ is an annual children’s day event initiated by NextGen, a program by The Bulb Africa. NextGen is an online learning platform designed by The Bulb Africa to help children learn technical skills such as python and HTML while working in groups on various hands-on projects.
Future Z was designed to give kids and their parents a better understanding of how they can benefit from studying at NextGen and also prepare them for the future.
This year, the event debuted on Saturday, 28th May, at The Bulb Africa’s, Jibowu facility. The event started by welcoming over a hundred kids from different schools and parents who came to experience Future Z with their kids. The kids participated in many fun activities like playing console games, virtual games, flying drones, face painting, and board games.
There was a tour session of The Bulb Africa’s hub to help the parents and kids understand what the organization does. The kids received a welcome speech from NextGen alumni KAMI ONI, who is currently studying cyber security at Georgia military college (USA).
Shortly after, the innovation section kicked off with introductory workshops on web development, graphic design, python challenges, drones, and other fun activities.
Future Z was backed by 15 sponsors, with Wema bank as the headline sponsor. Wema bank supported the event with funds, publicity, souvenirs and partnered with NextGen for the kids’ innovation challenge. Davido, an ambassador for Wema, also tweeted about Future Z!
With sponsorship from Rev Africa, kids who participated in the coding challenge won laptops and tablets. Other sponsors like Loan book and Pave also supported the kid coding challenge.
Future Z also received support from UAC foods (Gala), Kellogg, Lacasera, Magik, Nestle, and My mimie money, who provided treats and snacks to make the event a memorable one for the kids.
Tech Jewel and Comercio Partners invested funds and provided publicity for the event. Medplus took care of the health and well-being of everyone who came for the event, among other sponsors.
A “Kids’ innovation challenge” was launched at Future Z by Wema Bank Plc. The challenge aims to encourage children to develop solutions in education, health, games, and agriculture.
Wema bank disclosed that scholarships worth ₦300,000, ₦200,000, and ₦100,000 would be awarded to the top three finalists who presented the most innovative and creative ideas.
The Divisional Head, Retail Business of Wema Bank, Mr. Dotun Ifebogun, announced at the event that children with Royal Kiddies accounts were eligible for the challenge in Lagos.
The Kids’ innovation challenge is to enable young kids aged between 7 and 12 years to ideate and proffer solutions to issues in learning, health, games, and agriculture.
Wande Adams, the co-founder and CEO of The Bulb Africa and the technical partner of the bank on the innovation challenge, outlined the purpose of the program as being to prepare children to solve everyday problems creatively.
According to Adams, the company offers a variety of training modules and activities, such as NextGen, which would teach children about various technology areas.
Future Z concluded with the launch of the NextGen Club by the co-founders of The Bulb Africa, Tosin Osunkoya and Wande Adams. The NextGen club is an extension of the NextGen learning program in schools.
Future Z 2022 enlightened children on essential skills for an economy driven by technology. As an annual event, kids across Africa will continue learning fun ways to use technology to explore their ingenuity as they celebrate International Children’s Day each year
