Build Your First Robot: Help Fund Two Robotics Workshops in Cameroon

A robot that refuses to move can make a surprisingly good teacher. It gives a learner a reason to check a connection, question an assumption and try something different. When it finally works, they have something they can demonstrate and explain.

This November, Giiyo Tech is planning two Build Your First Robot workshops for children and teenagers in Cameroon. Each workshop gives learners two days to explore robotics, work with real components and build and test a robot with support from facilitators.

We are raising $5,000 for both workshops combined, including 40 reusable robotics kits. Afterwards, those kits support STEM clubs, follow-up bootcamps and future workshops, giving children opportunities to continue learning and allowing new groups to take part.

What learners will do

Build Your First Robot is designed for young people aged 7–19, including complete beginners. Facilitators adapt activities and support to the learners taking part.

Participants explore how components work together, assemble their builds, test them and investigate problems. Working in small groups gives them opportunities to explain ideas, share tasks and help each other when something does not work.

The process matters as much as the finished robot. Learners practise observing a problem, making a change and checking what happens. They also have opportunities to demonstrate their work and explain the decisions behind it.

The workshops are organised with host schools, and local educators help coordinate participation and support learners. That gives us people to work with as we develop the activities that follow.

What the $5,000 will pay for

The campaign budget covers equipment and delivery for two workshops:

• $2,400 for 40 reusable robotics kits, at $60 a kit.
• $2,600 for programme delivery, including facilitation, transport, logistics, learning materials, consumables, replacement components, internet where needed and other direct workshop costs.

The kits remain with Giiyo Tech. Learners use them during sessions, and the equipment is available again for the second workshop and the programmes after it.

Fundraising also helps cover participation costs for families. At least 15 fully sponsored places are reserved for girls in each workshop. The total number of sponsored places depends on the funding raised, and arrangements are confirmed with participating families and schools.

What happens after the two workshops

We want children who enjoy their first robotics experience to have somewhere to return with their next question or idea.

After the initial workshops, we work with school partners and local educators to establish STEM clubs and run follow-up bootcamps using the same kits. Club sessions give learners opportunities to revisit concepts, practise skills and gradually take on more challenging projects. Bootcamps provide time for focused building and experimentation.

The equipment also serves new learners. The same kit can help one group explore robotics in November and another group begin learning in a later programme.

The $5,000 campaign funds the initial two-workshop plan and establishes this equipment pool. Future activities build on that investment. Reusing the kits means more of that future support can go towards helping learners participate and progress.

Building on Giiyo Tech's work

Giiyo Tech has already reached more than 500 learners across Cameroon through STEM clubs, workshops and practical technology programmes.

Build Your First Robot continues that work by giving young people access to equipment and guidance they can use to explore their own ideas. Our aim is to help them become comfortable asking questions, testing solutions and explaining what they have made.

We will share updates on equipment purchases, preparations, workshop activities and the continued use of the kits, so supporters can follow the programme beyond the fundraising appeal.

Help us make it happen

You can support the programme by donating, sharing the campaign, or introducing us to a person or organisation interested in sponsoring equipment or workshop delivery. $60 covers one reusable kit, and contributions of any size help with the programme's equipment and delivery needs.

Learn more about Build Your First Robot and how to support it.

For sponsorship or partnership enquiries, contact hello@giiyotech.com.

Your contribution can help a child build their first robot and leave equipment in place for the projects that come next.