Gboko, Benue State – November 2024 

The Institute for Developmental Education and Agricultural Services (IDEAS) recently hosted a series of workshops that left students inspired and brimming with potential.

These sessions looked at the power of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) and creative self-expression, and provided the young minds with tools to shape their futures and redefine their communities. 

The first workshop pulled back the curtain on Artificial Intelligence. For many students, it was their first encounter with this cutting-edge field, but the facilitators made the complex world of A.I. accessible and relatable. 

Through engaging presentations, the students learned about machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics. Real-life examples painted a vivid picture of how A.I. is improving healthcare, streamlining agriculture, and enhancing education. Facilitators emphasized its role as a language of the future, urging students to familiarize themselves with its potential. 

Interactive exercises brought the concepts to life. Students brainstormed how A.I. could address local challenges, such as designing smarter irrigation systems or developing digital tools for under-resourced schools. The conversations were lively and imaginative, with ideas flying across the room as students discovered new ways to tackle age-old problems. 

While A.I. looked at the future, the creative development program went deep into the students’ inner worlds with a hands-on curriculum packed with activities to encourage critical thinking, collaboration, and confidence. 

Structured around thematic workshops, the program introduced students to storytelling, poetry, debates, drama, and visual arts. Each session encouraged them to think differently, work together, and develop unique voices.

The workshops began with debates, teaching students how to build persuasive arguments and articulate their thoughts clearly. As they tackled topics ranging from social media’s influence to climate change, they gained not just critical thinking skills but also the courage to stand up for their ideas and, in the words of the institute’s motto, Develop [their] Ideas. 

In the poetry segment, students looked at the beauty of words, and learnt to write heartfelt poems on themes like identity, love, and hope.

Storytelling followed, guiding students to create compelling narratives and memorable characters.

Drama workshops brought their stories to life, as they wrote and performed original scripts. By the end, the students weren’t just telling stories—they were living them. 

One of the most exciting moments came during the collaborative creative project. Teams of students pooled their talents to create murals, short dramas, and even the ideation for a class magazine.

Through these workshops, IDEAS proved once again why it remains a beacon of hope and opportunity for young people. By introducing students to A.I. and nurturing their creativity, the institute equipped them with skills essential for the 21st century—critical thinking, innovation, and collaboration. As a champion of youth empowerment, IDEAS continues to inspire the next generation with its forward-thinking initiatives. By blending technology, creativity, and leadership development, the institute is helping young minds find their place in the world while encouraging them to give back to their communities. With workshops like these, the students of IDEAS are not just learning—they are transforming and becoming the leaders and innovators of tomorrow.