Can kids aged 9-12 inspire young adults to use AI for good?

he AI Bootcamp context

The AI Bootcamp hosted over 40 sessions on AI, remote work, and entrepreneurship, with 15 international experts of all ages, including young geniuses, and hands-on workshops with two global AI companies.

As a result, youth developed over 15 self-employment AI-powered businesses spanning 8+ fields, poised to monetize globally without any external funding.

*GIZ AI XForm Bootcamp with Arta Statovci and Young Geniuses took place from 11th to 15th September 2023, in Kosovo

*GiZ Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit / GiZ Kosovo  https://www.giz.de/en/worldwide/298.html

This event was supported by Ministry of Finance, Labour & Transfers / Ministria e Financave, Punes dhe Transfereve  https://mfpt.rks-gov.net and Employment Agency of the Republic of Kosovo (EARK) / Agjencia e Punesimit e Republikes se Kosoves https://aprk.rks-gov.net

The impact of MaNaBu Kids on the AI Bootcamp

MaNaBu kids took the stage at the AI bootcamp in Kosovo on 11th and 12th of September 2023, where they demonstrated how they use AI in daily life, as well as how AI can be used to solve real-world problems, such as improving healthcare, education, and sustainable environment.

The MaNaBu kids' passion and ingenuity ignited a spark in everyone, proving that AI is not just for adults—anyone can be a world-changer, regardless of age.

Thank you for making this possible! Without your encouragement and guidance, Adi would not have been able to participate in the bootcamp and share his knowledge with our participants. Many of them have noted that #younggeniuses have transformed their mindset and been the inspiration behind their projects! - Arta Statovci

The importance of International Pioneers in shaping the future of Local Youth In addition to learning from young geniuses, local youth had the unique opportunity to learn also from international experts in AI, remote work, and entrepreneurship. - Arta Statovci

✨Andreas Wil GERDES, Lumjana Shehu, and Priyanka Modi . The mentors' deep knowledge, diverse perspectives, and global insights sparked new ideas and ignited a passion for innovation in the participants.

From learning about the latest trends in AI to developing strategies for remote work success, the bootcamp provided participants with the skills needed to thrive in the AI-era.

I am thrilled to share my incredible journey at the 5-day bootcamp, organized in collaboration with GIZ and the Kosovar government. 🌟✨ This transformative program has had a profound impact on my professional growth and development! 📚🎓 During the bootcamp, I had the privilege of learning from some of the brightest minds in the field of AI. 🧠💡 Notable speakers like Arta Statovci, ✨Andreas Wil GERDES, Priyanka Modi, Florian Morina, Lumjana Shehu, Tobias Seiberlich, Rrita Canolli, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH shared their invaluable insights, inspiring us to push the boundaries of innovation. 🌍🚀 - Kushtrim Ibishi

Why should Youth learn about AI from an early age?

AI is rapidly transforming our world, and it is important for young people to be prepared to embrace this change and use AI to create a better future for all. Learning about AI helped young people develop the skills, knowledge and positive mindset they need to thrive in the AI-powered world of tomorrow, including:

• Designing personalised life-long learning journeys that nurture their strengths and passions.
• Creating new work opportunities locally and globally to achieve financial independence and live fulfilling lives.
• Fostering responsible and ethical use of technology, so that they can proactively leverage AI to build a more just and sustainable future for all.

Sign up here https://forms.gle/mZgkvhAGxChRubtx7 to learn more about the AI Bootcamp - Young Geniuses Program and how you can get involved.

During the GIZ AI Bootcamp, I unexpectedly enjoyed an outstanding educational experience. The program was thoughtfully designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of business challenges, self-employment, and the strategic use of AI to overcome these hurdles. Amidst this transformative journey, the pinnacle of excellence was undeniably exemplified by our esteemed mentor, Arta Statovci. - Melos Buqinca

How will this program impact Kosovo?

Kosovo is excluded from many digital opportunities due to the continued ban on its top-level domain by large tech companies, denying young people in Kosovo access to essential online platforms and services.

The AI Bootcamp program can remove digital barriers and foster a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem by developing youth AI expertise, skills, and entrepreneurial spirit. This will drive job creation and economic growth, with local businesses making a global impact.

Additionally, to democratise AI & Digital access to Kosovo youth and country international reputation as a hotbed for innovation and technology, the program leader Arta Statovci has launched 𝙆𝙤𝙨𝙤𝙫𝙤 𝘿𝙞𝙜𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝘽𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙜𝙚𝙨 𝙈𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 and introduced two leading companies to bring AI and remote opportunities to Kosovo.

With the expertise gained from this boot camp, together with collaboration with leading global AI companies, young people in Kosovo could become leaders in AI-driven solutions, setting an example to the rest of the world.

“My motivation to keep working grew even stronger when we connected with two international AI companies, ChatSonic and InVideo. During our meeting, both companies shared that they have introduced Kosovo on their websites, and we as Kosovo’s youth have a chance to create more digital bridges. - Olsa Domi”

Imagine an industrial engineer who has always been fascinated by the world of makeup but felt restricted by her chosen career path. Yes but the AI Xform Bootcamp provided me with the opportunity to bridge the gap between my engineering background and my passion for makeup. By leveraging the power of AI, I was able to explore innovative applications of makeup that I never thought possible. - Kaltrina Merovci

When the AI Xform Bootcamp started I nearly had no idea how I can use the AI tools for my profession which is Piano Performing. While meeting with the Young Geniuses and international. - Arlinda Rexhepi

AI bootcamp was a transformative experience for me, offering invaluable insights and connections in the world of artificial intelligence 💻 🧠 . With 15 international speakers, like:✨Andreas Wil GERDES, Priyanka Modi, Florian Morina and many more. The program provided a diverse range of perspectives on AI, from cutting-edge research to ethical considerations. - Egzon Pallaska

In this bootcamp, I expanded my knowledge of AI and its importance in business. As a future software developer, this increased my motivation to work harder and improve my work because I always knew how to make a project, but never how to monetize and fully put my ideas out there. - Jona Loxha

The Hope for the Future

The sight of young minds from around the globe using AI to create a better future is both heartwarming and inspiring. It ignites hope for the transformative potential of AI in their hands, and the impact they can make on the world.

We are confident that these young geniuses will continue to inspire others as they continue their meaningful journey of using AI for the greater good.

Boosting the youth of Kosovo's access to the global economy is not only a necessary step for their nation's development, but it will also give rise to a new generation of tech pioneers and innovators.

The AI Bootcamp has demonstrated how this can be successfully achieved. It is now our collective responsibility to create a conducive environment, providing more opportunities and platforms like these boot camps to cultivate the future of AI with the next generation.

Cross-boundary collaborations between like-minded organizations and individuals are paramount in shaping a brighter future for youth. By sharing knowledge, resources, and ideas, we can foster a nurturing environment for our future leaders and innovators to thrive.

This is a colloborative post by Arta Statovci and Priyanka Modi.