Nairobi, Kenya | November 2025
The Director of Buea Institute of Technology (BIT), Mr. Benyella Njeko, recently participated in the African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI) Training of Trainers (ToT) organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the UN Women Africa. The training took place from 1st to 5th November 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, bringing together trainers and stakeholders from across Africa.
The Training of Trainers workshop was aimed at strengthening national capacity to deliver AGCCI programmes by equipping trainers with the pedagogical, technical, and strategic knowledge required to introduce girls and young women to coding and digital technologies.
Focus on Inclusive and Engaging Course Delivery
A key emphasis of the training was the AGCCI course delivery approach, which is implemented through two complementary methods: online and offline learning.
The online component is a self-paced course structured around a storytelling approach, where digital concepts are embedded within a narrative. This method allows learners to progress at their own pace while relating technical concepts to real-life situations.
The offline component consists of in-person bootcamps that incorporate practical, interactive, and fun learning activities. Participants engage in hands-on exercises, teamwork, and direct interaction with trainers, creating a supportive learning environment that encourages creativity and collaboration.
Introducing Girls to Coding and Digital Skills
During the workshop, it was clearly emphasized that the main objective of AGCCI is not to produce advanced programmers, but rather to introduce girls to programming and digital skills. The initiative seeks to build confidence, stimulate interest in technology, and expose participants to opportunities in the digital economy.
The training framework is structured into different phases, beginning with an introduction to gender and inclusion issues. Trainers are required to help participants understand the digital gender gap by using statistics and comparisons that highlight the importance of girls’ participation in ICT.
Computer Science, Projects, and Emerging Technologies
Another major component of the programme focuses on computer science and digital literacy, delivered through project-based activities. Trainers are encouraged to promote creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship by guiding participants to develop simple projects that address real-world challenges.
Participants were also introduced to next-generation technologies, including machine learning, blockchain, web development, graphic design, robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT). The emphasis is placed on how these technologies can be applied to solve everyday problems. Trainers provide continuous guidance, and participants are expected to present their projects at the end of the training.
To maintain engagement and enhance learning outcomes, trainers were encouraged to incorporate physical activities that reduce fatigue, stimulate creative thinking, and foster teamwork.
African Girls Can Code Initiative Curriculum and Learning Modules
The AGCCI training programme consists of 14 modules, divided into 7 technical skills modules and 7 soft skills modules, followed by a concluding epilogue.
The technical modules introduce learners to areas such as Scratch programming, web development, animation and gaming, graphic design, fashion design, IoT, and robotics. The soft skills modules cover important themes including Agenda 2063, design thinking, entrepreneurship using the Business Model Canvas, computational thinking, cybersecurity and online safety, data literacy, and human rights.
Together, these modules provide participants with a balanced foundation of technical knowledge, critical thinking, creativity, and digital citizenship.
Beyond the Bootcamp: Ensuring Long-Term Impact
An important discussion during the training focused on sustainability and impact beyond the bootcamp. Trainers were encouraged to explore ways of scaling AGCCI activities through partnerships with schools, government institutions, corporate bodies, and non-governmental organisations.
Other key recommendations included establishing mentorship programmes, creating tech hubs and IT clubs in schools, encouraging real-world problem-solving projects, and advocating for the integration of AGCCI concepts into national education curricula.
Next Steps for Cameroon
At the conclusion of the workshop, Mr Benyella developed a country action plan for Cameroon for the implementation of AGCCI in 2026. These plans outlined awareness strategies, bootcamps organisation, partnerships, and post-training follow-up mechanisms.
Mr. Benyella Njeko’s participation in the AGCCI Training of Trainers represents a significant step towards strengthening girls’ digital skills development in Cameroon. Through BIT’s continued engagement and collaboration with partners, the institute aims to contribute meaningfully to the implementation of AGCCI and the promotion of gender inclusion in the ICT sector.
