Micro:bit 4 Africa

What is a micro:bit ?

A pocket-sized codeable computer with motion detection, a built-in compass and Bluetooth technology, which is to be given free to every child in year 7 or equivalent across the UK.

Yabadabadoo !!!

Like any child, I am excited to discover the newest cool thing and wonder what cool stuff I can make with it. But first, where to find one a micro:bit? Sorry, I forgot to mention I live in Dakar, Senegal, not the UK.

Uodabadabay !!!

Living in Africa has many advantages but when it comes to technology you need to be very patient. Sometimes very, very patient.

Why a micro:bit ?

30 years ago BBC introduced the BBC Micro computer, the ancestor of the micro:bit, BBC understood very early on the importance of democratizing knowledge and technology which creates vocations and builds up successful careers in the UK Tech industry. But how can technology make all of our world a better place if all children do not have the same access and opportunities to it ?

Can the BBC’s micro:bit inspire the next African generation ?

A better way to help Africa and the African is to educate youth by giving them knowledge and experience. Knowing how to code is to stop being consumers and to become creators and to producers. Yes, micro:bit can inspire young African generation by giving them the power to improve their lives and the lives of others.

What am I doing ?

I’m a dreamer. On March 22nd of 2016, I wrote an email to micro:bit support asking how to get one and see how it would work to share the experience with African kids. No answer. Then I wrote the same to BBC Click, one of my favorite TV shows, but still no answer. Next I wrote to BBC Africa. Guess what ? Still no answer.

Help us !

Open the doors to African youth to learn code, while having fun, and to benefit from the same opportunities as children in UK. Just share this post with the hashtag #microbit4africa and let our voice to be heard.

Thank you.