Digital Explorers 2.0: Uniting continents through innovation and learning
In a commendable effort to enhance global ICT collaboration, the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV) has again partnered with Osmos and Startin.LV to launch the second iteration of the Digital Explorers programme.
This initiative facilitates a robust exchange of knowledge and talent between the Baltics and Kenya, Armenia, and Nigeria. By doing so, it provides promising young ICT professionals from these regions with invaluable opportunities to accelerate their careers in Europe’s leading technology hubs.
Co-funded by the European Union via the Migration Partnership Facility of ICMPD, and supported by the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV), the Digital Explorers 2.0 programme was run at Tallinn University.
Lecturers Mustafa Can Özdemir and Raimo Pregel from TLÜ School of Digital Technologies created two courses for the programme. The first, "Fundamentals of Web Programming and Interaction Design Methods" was an online precourse held in January for 40 students from Kenya. In March, 20 of these students were chosen to travel to Estonia to continue their journey. Once in Tallinn, they began the main course, "Application Programming and Interaction Design Workshop" which included internships with local IT firms.
Beyond the classroom, the participants explored the dynamic Estonian startup ecosystem. Visits to LIFT99 and Startup Estonia offered insights into the services and innovative solutions developed by local startups. They were warmly welcomed by Rannar Park, Team Lead & Community Manager at LIFT99co, and Annika Järs, Startup Visa & Foreign Relations Development Manager at Startup Estonia. Students also did not miss a chance to participate in one of the biggest start-up events in Northern Europe: Latitude 59 as volunteers, visited e-Estonia Briefing Centre International House Estonia, and Rakett69 in Ülemiste City. Later they also took part in the African Business Forum 2024, organized by the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Cultural activities also enriched their experience. Under the guidance of Ingrid Hinojosa, Incoming Mobility Senior Specialist from TLÜ’s Academic Affairs Office, the participants, alongside TLÜ staff, prepared traditional Estonian dishes in the University’s Science Kitchen, enriching their stay with a taste of local culture. In the frame of the project, students also explored Viru bog, and enjoyed trips to Saaremaa and Tartu.
As the final project presentations approached, guest lecturer Mete Çilingir, a storytelling coach and presentation instructor, provided a workshop on crafting compelling presentations. His insights emphasized the importance of structuring presentations like stories, with clear beginnings, middles, and ends to effectively convey complex ideas.
On June 19th, the students showcased their projects at Tallinn University, demonstrating the skills and knowledge they had gained. These presentations highlighted the students' collaborative efforts over the past months, addressing real industry challenges and applying the skills and expertise they had acquired.
One of the participant Michele Were, reflected on the experience: “We learned so much both in and out of the classroom, particularly about interaction design and various design programs. Over the four months, we had the chance to intern with Estonian companies and work on real projects. I developed an app that will now be used in my hometown Nairobi Kenya. Knowing that I created something impactful for my community warms my heart.”
On June 21st, the students’ efforts were formally recognized as they received their certificates, marking the successful completion of a transformative chapter in their professional journeys.
The programme’s industry partners included Triumf Health OÜ, Kodally OÜ, and Tallinn University. From the TLÜ School of Digital Technologies in the project were involved the director of the School Peeter Normak, Head of Studies Hans Põldoja, Professor of Human-Computer Interaction David Lamas, Head of In-service Training Kersti Maidra, Administrative Assistant Merilin Tohver, IT support technicians Ragnar Pääslane and Madeleine Poogen, internship supervisors Associate Professor of Serious Games Martin Sillaots and Educational Technology Software Analyst Priit Tammets. From the TLÜ School of Educational Sciences were involved Project Manager Hele Leek-Ambur and School’s director Tiia Õun.