A ten-year-old Emirati girl develops an AI educational institution catering to children, with the objective of narrowing the gender divide in the field of Artificial Intelligence.
Young Emirati Pioneers AI Learning Academy for Children
In the heart of the United Arab Emirates, a 10-year-old prodigy named AlDhabi AlMheiri is making waves in the world of technology. AlDhabi has launched an AI Learning Academy, a unique platform designed for children aged 7 to 13, aiming to democratize tech education and equip the next generation with the skills needed to shape the future of artificial intelligence (AI).
AlDhabi believes that technology should not be confined to adults. He envisions a future where children understand, shape, and lead the realm of AI. His approach is grounded in grassroots solutions that are scalable and culturally relevant, bridging the gap between AI education and young learners.
The AI Learning Academy is more than just a classroom. It includes entrepreneurship content, encouraging students to think like builders and creators. The curriculum also delves into the intricacies of machine versus human intelligence and AI in daily life.
Recognizing the importance of digital literacy and AI skills development, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, which is undergoing rapid technological transformation, the academy directly addresses the 30% gender gap in AI participation among middle school students in the MENA region. It offers dedicated 'Girls in AI' workshops, aiming to foster interest among girls and young women in STEM fields.
With the UAE making AI education mandatory from next year, young students are thrilled about the prospect of learning AI. AlDhabi's academy aims to boost global digital literacy and address the lack of structured AI education in primary schools worldwide.
AlDhabi's platform aligns with several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including quality education, gender equality, and reduced inequalities. Each module on the AI Learning Academy is designed to make abstract concepts engaging for children, using simple language, friendly cartoon characters, and relatable examples. Studies show that peer-designed content improves understanding and retention by up to 40%.
The AI Learning Academy offers 20 video-based lessons covering AI fundamentals, ethics, and entrepreneurship, with printable worksheets and practical projects. The academy enforces strict child data protection, requires parental consent, and offers content in Arabic and English.
AlDhabi AlMheiri's AI Learning Academy is part of a growing trend of AI integration in UAE classrooms, aiming to improve student learning. This initiative is more than just a step towards digital literacy; it's a leap towards gender equality in AI and STEM, empowering youth with critical AI and digital skills and specifically encouraging greater inclusion of girls and young women in these fields.
The AI Learning Academy is now live at ailearning.ae, offering free multilingual, child-safe access for families and schools worldwide. This article is part of the series "Emirati Stories".
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