Mayor of Shkodra Benet Beci and UNICEF Representative Dr. Roberto de Bernardi sign MoU to Extend BiblioTech Corner at “ATELIE” Youth Center
October 25, 2023
UN Week in Shkodra Shines a Spotlight on Education and Child Safety with BiblioTech Initiative
November 10, 2023
The stage is set for the most thrilling technological showdown as the BiblioTech Challenge 3.0, a national technology competition for children and young people, is back to inspire and ignite the creativity of young minds. Organized by the Albania Sustainable Development Organization (ASDO) with the support of the Municipality of Shkodra, in the framework of the program “Transforming the National Response to Human Trafficking in and from Albania” lead by UNICEF and funded by the United Kingdom Government, this three-day event is poised to be a celebration of innovation and youth ingenuity.
Empowering Future Innovators
The BiblioTech Challenge 3.0 is more than just a competition; it’s an opportunity for 10-18-year-old children and young people to channel their creativity, brainstorm, generate ideas, and bring technological and innovative concepts to life. In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, this event encourages participants to prepare for the workplace of the future by boosting their digital and online safety skills. It also aims to keep children engaged in their communities, safe online and away from Human Trafficking Schemes.
Problem Solving as a Team
One of the primary goals of this challenge was to spark and broaden interest in technology, innovation, human-centered design, digital goods, and online protection. Participants had the chance to learn from each other as they worked collaboratively to solve real-world challenges. It was a platform that nurtured teamwork and critical thinking, setting the stage for these young innovators to shine.
Prizes for Tomorrow’s Innovators
The competition featured three age groups, with 1st place prizes for the most innovative ideas in each category:
- 1st place for 10-12 years old innovators
- 1st place for 13-15 years old innovators
- 1st place for 16-18 years old innovators
Engaging Agenda
The BiblioTech Challenge 3.0 unfolded over three action-packed days.
- Day 1 the Participants got to know one another and do a first presentation of their ideas, while socializing.
- Day 2 they got to meet the Mentors: Albana Stankaj, Arlind Haxhijaj, Besmir Kthupi, Enxhi Mete, Esmerina Hidri, Ina Kërçiku, Jona Leqezja, Kozeta Jana and Spartak Sokoli. During this day the Mentors helped the children and youth develop their ideas, and put them in Presentations to get them ready for the final pitching.
- Day 3 started with a presentation from the StartUp community in Tirana and Shkodra where the innovators were talking about their experience and journey to create BEEZ Games and Arlinda Kruja, Head of Social Services, Housing and Public Health at the Municipality of Shkodra. After that, the Mentors worked with the groups to recap of the presentations, and do pitching tryouts.
The presentations started in the afternoon, where each group had 3 minutes to pitch or present their ideas to the Jury and the people present.
Winners
In the end the Jury decided the winners for each age group:
- For the age of 10-12: Drini with his e-scooter
- For the age of 13-15: Dea with Gamifying Shkodra
- For the age of 16-18: Thurje with MyShkodra
The BiblioTech Challenge is the culmination of a year-long commitment to educating youth on tech skills, entrepreneurship, keeping them safe during their time online and keeping them safe from human trafficking schemes, disinformation and online predators.
Stay tuned for more!
