As the world gathers to commemorate Worldwide Youth Day 2024 on August 12, the spotlight falls squarely on the limitless energy, innovative fervor, and global perspectives of young people everywhere. This year’s theme, ‘Youth for a Sustainable Future,’ highlights the vital role that young people play in catalyzing positive change and promoting more sustainable development. As we pay tribute to these remarkable achievements, the Cisco Foundation and its partners also recognize the importance of equipping young people with the tools and opportunities necessary to shape a more just and inclusive world for everyone? What’s truly remarkable is the extraordinary effort being put forth by the Raspberry Pi Foundation and Digital Skills Trust in this domain.
Raspberry Pi Basis
Permits youthful individuals to realize their full potential through access to computing and digital technologies, benefiting hundreds of thousands of learners annually. Through collaborative efforts with The Basis, emerging generations develop the knowledge, skills, and mental frameworks necessary to explore computing, interact and craft innovative digital technologies, and leverage these tools for positive societal impact.
In collaboration with Cisco, we’ve enhanced our support for young individuals embarking on their coding journey, providing a helping hand as they take their first steps in programming. Through its free platform designed for young learners as early as age 9, more than 400,000 students worldwide have participated in simple, block-based coding activities. Members worldwide can study with Code Membership World from home, and also participate in one of over 40 free, in-person Code Clubs globally supported by Basis.
Cisco collaborates with Basis to propel forward the evolution of a text-based coding toolset, specifically designed for Python and HTML/CSS/JavaScript developers. Developed specifically for a younger audience, this technology aims to bridge the gap by supporting cell and pill devices, as well as low-bandwidth internet connections, thereby removing barriers to access.
Members of Code Membership are eligible to participate in Coolest Initiatives, a celebration of young digital creators and their innovative projects that leverage technology. Last year, more than 7,000 young people from 43 countries participated. Innovative projects undertaken by Indian students Reyansh, Advith, and Aditya aimed to create a sustainable future, exemplified in their design of a self-sufficient, net-zero residential building that generates as much energy as it consumes. Younger generations are impressively harnessing their digital skills to develop projects that truly resonate with them.
Together, Cisco and the Raspberry Pi Foundation empower hundreds of young people with future-proof skills, allowing them to advance their coding capabilities anywhere, anytime.
- Since its inception, more than 100,000 students from around the globe have interacted with the Code Editor as an integral component of the Basis platform.
- In its final year, the Raspberry Pi Foundation celebrated a significant milestone: 1.2 million learners engaged with online learning opportunities through its Projects website.
- Approximately 40% of the younger participants joining the Raspberry Pi Foundation’s in-person coding clubs are female.
- By volunteering at a Foundation-supported organization near you or starting a new one, you can empower younger individuals to learn how to code and cultivate their creative potential with technology.
- By empowering more young people worldwide to acquire digital skills and knowledge, you’ll ensure that they have the tools necessary to succeed.
Digital Alternative Belief
Has played a pivotal role in galvanizing young people across Africa and the Middle East to champion climate awareness and collective action. Through a partnership with the Cisco Foundation, DOT launched its first-ever climate program, “Empowering Youth as Climate Champions and Community Agents.” This initiative leverages the energy, innovation, and sense of urgency among young people to develop community-based resilience against climate change. At its heart lies the DOT Local Weather program, a hands-on learning experience designed specifically for young adult leaders, known as Local Weather Champions. Here is the rewritten text:
Equipped with a comprehensive local weather curriculum and group placements, these champions are empowered to collaborate with individuals in climate-vulnerable communities, enhancing their skills to withstand and flourish amidst a rapidly changing climate? What’s driving local weather champions to make a difference?
During its inaugural year, the Department of Transportation (DOT) partnered with experts to design a cutting-edge, four-week program that seamlessly integrates comprehensive training on climate science with instruction in mindfulness, digital literacy, climate activism, and social entrepreneurship. Moreover, the DOT team developed a tailored toolkit empowering Local Weather Champions to drive grassroots climate action projects in their communities through participatory action research (PAR) methodologies. The Local Weather Champions program boasted a diverse cohort of 19 recent college graduates from Lebanon and Tanzania, whose collective efforts following curriculum completion yielded tangible results: they engaged with 14 communities, fostering connections with more than 600 group members. Despite facing numerous obstacles, they ultimately triumphed in empowering communities to identify and address their most pressing environmental concerns, thereby illustrating the efficacy of local solutions in tackling global problems?
- Nineteen local weather champions from Lebanon and Tanzania collaborated to engage with 14 communities, ultimately reaching more than 600 group members.
- A significant majority (86%) of participants have noticed an increase in the availability of climate-related data, with 78% also reporting improved motivation to take action and reduce their environmental impact.
- The DOT’s Local Weather Program had a significant impact on 624 participants, comprising 365 girls and 259 boys who collaborated.
- 99% of Local Weather Experts are able to clearly elucidate the scientific principles underlying local weather patterns and their significant impact on vulnerable populations.
- More than three-fourths of the Local Weather Champions reported feeling confident in motivating others through their positivity after completing the program, a significant increase from just under one-quarter at the outset.
Through collaborative partnerships with DOT and indigenous communities, members have the opportunity to amplify collective efforts in addressing environmental challenges and fostering sustainable practices.
To effectively engage in a meaningful endeavor, first identify your passion and interests. Next, locate organizations that align with those passions and volunteer your time. This hands-on experience will not only help you build connections but also gain valuable skills.
- Professionals can leverage their wealth of knowledge and expertise by mentoring emerging local weather champions. This leadership training fosters crucial skills and self-assurance necessary for driving meaningful projects in their communities.
- Citizens can participate in native local weather-related initiatives backed by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Whether collaborative efforts involve organizing group clean-ups, planting trees, or spearheading consciousness campaigns, they can collectively make a significant difference.
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