Thais Costa
EdoBits
The goal of this project was to launch a new Bits School in Benin city, Nigeria, named EdoBits. The Bits schools were established to train digital skills for youth from underprivileged backgrounds that show exceptional motivation and commitment to their community. EdoBits is part of the WeAreBits network that comprises of other Bits Schools that together share a project-based learning methodology and a hands-on training in the field of ICT and multimedia, web development, web and graphic design.
My Role
I co-facilitated a co-creation workshop to launch EdoBits, ensuring a human-centered approach that incorporated diverse stakeholder perspectives. Our goal was to align the school’s vision with the real needs and aspirations of local youth. To foster collaboration, I designed design thinking tools and participatory activities that encouraged meaningful engagement.
Company/ partners
Output
A Bits School that is co-created with youth and contextualised to the needs of its target audience in EdoState.
Location
Nigeria, EdoState
Date
August, 2018
The design challenge
The fast-growing ICT sector demands skilled, digitally-savvy professionals, and while many young people are eager to seize these opportunities, they often lack the necessary ICT skills to successfully enter the job market. EdoBits was established to bridge this gap, providing better access to digital resources and literacy in Edo State while equipping youth for careers in the digital economy.
Our challenge was to ensure that the new Bits School was deeply rooted in the realities and aspirations of Edo State’s youth. To achieve this, we co-created the school’s brand identity alongside young people and key stakeholders, fostering a sense of ownership among local implementing partners. This collaborative approach was designed to strengthen long-term sustainability and ensure the school’s lasting impact.
The outcome
The workshop brought together a diverse group of participants, including youth, teachers, community leaders, representatives from community-based organizations, and officials from Nigeria’s Ministry of Education. By fostering an inclusive environment, we ensured that every voice was heard and valued, creating space for meaningful dialogue and idea-sharing. The co-creation process allowed for collaboration on an equal footing, shaping EdoBits into a truly inclusive initiative.
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Through interactive co-creation activities—such as persona development, user journeys, skills mapping, and risk assessment—we captured a wide range of perspectives, leading to well-rounded and insightful outcomes. This collaborative process resulted in a shared vision: "To equip youth with ICT skills, empowering them to become self-sustaining while building a skilled workforce that drives community development."
A persona is a detailed description of a fictional representation of the target group.
The User Journey describes the life cycle of a solution through the perspective of the target group. It details what the person will do to go from the current situation towards the envisioned end result.
The visual concept for the logo of EdoBits was collaboratively decided and co-designed by participants of the workshop.