In Togo, children as young as eight are spending their summer break not on the beach, but in front of computers learning to code and building robots. A summer camp in the capital Lomé has turned into a workshop where young minds assemble circuits and write software instead of playing video games.
Kids swap playgrounds for programming
The camp, held in Lomé, brings together dozens of children who learn the basics of computer programming and robotics. Instructors guide them through building simple robots from kits, teaching them how to make the machines move and respond to commands. For many participants, it is their first exposure to writing code or handling electronic components.
Why families in Lomé are signing up
Parents in Togo see the camp as a rare opportunity for their children to gain skills that are not taught in most local schools. With the country pushing to expand its digital economy, families want their kids to be part of that shift. The camp is run by local organizers who believe early exposure to technology can open doors that were not available to previous generations.
A hands on approach to the digital future
Children work in small groups, testing their robots on makeshift tracks and troubleshooting when something goes wrong. The camp emphasizes problem solving and teamwork, not just technical knowledge. Organizers say the goal is to spark curiosity and show children that technology is something they can create, not just consume.
For a country where access to computers remains limited in many classrooms, this summer camp represents a small but deliberate step. It gives young Togolese a chance to build something with their own hands and code, long before they enter a university or a job market that increasingly demands digital fluency.
