"The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child's own natural desire to learn" - Maria Montessori

Hello esteem steemians. Today I come baring goodies. What do you know about the digitalization in Early Childhood Education in remote Cameroon?
Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Tobin to set up an IT center for a local primary school. It was a 20-hour activity split across 3 days of work, and involved multiple, accompanying electrical devices.
From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with warmth and enthusiasm by both the teachers and the pupils. Can you imagine a parent even cooked me Koki with ripe plantain? For those not familiar, koki is a staple food in Cameroon; a paste made from black-eyed peas(Not the Will I am), wrapped in banana leaves and boiled.

Back to my mission. In a nutshell, my mission was to prep the room, ensuring the electrical system was working and compatible the devices, unboxing and setting up the computers and peripheral devices, running network configurations on the computer systems, installing and testing software and finally running security software.

I installed several computers, internet connectivity, and educational software designed to enhance their learning experience. The center is aimed at promoting the use of digital technologies in the teaching-learning process, and I was impressed that the teachers bore the same enthusiasm about integrating technology into their curriculum, understanding the profound impact it could have on their pupils education.
Each class of pupils took turns exploring their new equipment, guided by their teachers and myself.

The school's head teacher and staff had organized a small reception ceremony, where the students sang songs and performed dances. There was a song whose lyrics I could not fully grasp, but it went something like "Our dear...just go ahead we are behind you with our prayers..." This heartfelt reception was a testament to their gratitude and eagerness to embrace new learning opportunities. I don't mean to brag, but I had God-like treatment here and I'm not even kidding.

The pupil's interaction with the technology for the first time was truly inspiring. They started with basic computer skills, such as using a mouse and keyboard, while their teacher asked them some basic questions relating to the theoretical knowledge they had had prior. Truly, the joy on their faces as they navigated new digital worlds was unforgettable.

The teachers were also keen to learn, asking questions and taking notes on how best to utilize the technology to benefit their teaching methods.
This project was not just about providing equipment; it was about opening doors to new possibilities and empowering both pupils and teachers with the tools they need for a brighter future. The experience reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of education and technology. I left Tobin with a heart full of hope and gratitude.