Highlights from the Community Tech Innovation Workshop

This workshop’s systems-based approach is unique because it challenges participants to view problems not as barriers but as opportunities for innovation. By focusing on “doing what we can with what we have,” participants discovered practical solutions to big challenges, demonstrating that impactful change doesn’t require endless resources—just creativity and determination.

Workshop Highlights and Discussions:

The event was highly interactive, with attendees actively engaging in discussions, exercises, and live demonstrations. Here are some of the key sessions:

• Introduction to Tech Innovation: A deep dive into understanding how technology can be used to solve local issues, particularly in underserved communities. We discussed the concept of “innovation with what you have” – making use of local resources and tools to create effective solutions.

• Practical Tools for Change: Attendees were introduced to both popular global tools and locally accessible ones. The focus was on empowering participants with tools they could start using immediately, whether online or offline. Tools provided during the workshop included:

  • Canva (for graphic design)
  • Scratch (for coding education)
  • Tinkercad (for 3D design and prototyping)
  • LibreOffice (for document creation and management)
  • Offline WordPress Setup (to build websites even without constant internet access)
  • Community Radio and SMS Services (for communication and education in low-tech settings)

We also discussed how local tools, such as community libraries, USB-based courses, and even mobile phones (for SMS and USSD services), are crucial in bridging the tech gap for many communities.

• Building Tech Solutions with Local Resources: We emphasized the importance of using available resources to create innovative solutions. From developing simple websites with offline tools to using community radio for outreach, the focus was on making tech work within local contexts.

• Interactive Group Activities: Participants were encouraged to share their ideas and collaborate in real-time. Breakout groups worked on developing small-scale tech solutions for local challenges, creating designs, and testing ideas with their peers.

What truly set this workshop apart was the engagement from participants. Lively discussions, peer mentoring, and a commitment to action turned a simple online event into a dynamic problem-solving arena. The gender balance ensured a variety of perspectives, while the age diversity fostered intergenerational learning.

Local Impact: Empowering Communities with What We Have

One of the most important takeaways from this workshop was the recognition that we do not need to wait for external resources or fancy tools to begin creating meaningful change. As Africans, especially in Cameroon, we have the tools around us – from mobile phones to community networks – that can help us develop solutions tailored to our own needs.

At the heart of this workshop was the belief that “if others can, we can too”. Inspired by local success stories, we are creating a tech ecosystem where individuals, regardless of their resources, can build, learn, and grow.

We are thrilled with the success of the Community Tech Innovation Workshop, and we look forward to continuing this journey with all our participants. A special thanks to Sizo Portal for being an outstanding partner in making this event happen.

Together, we are building the foundation for a more innovative, tech-savvy future, grounded in our local realities and powered by the creativity of our communities.