This week we continued delivering workshops in the MediaLab, including an AI and digital safety session for the children. During the workshop we discussed the importance of protecting personal information and not sharing personal details or images online or with AI services. We also explored the differences between AI-generated music and art, encouraging the children to think critically about how AI is used creatively. To conclude the session, the children completed AI quests, a game-based learning experience developed by Google Research that introduces students to cases where AI can be used to address real-world societal challenges.
We also had the opportunity to visit SORA with our local volunteers from UPB and deliver workshops with them. Together, we ran a reading workshop, which was a rewarding experience. Although many of the children were initially reluctant to participate as reading is not their favourite activity, it was wonderful to see their enthusiasm for reading grow throughout the session. By the end, they were actively engaged and excited to take part. Having the UPB volunteers alongside us also provided the children with positive role models and created a supportive learning environment. It was equally encouraging to see the volunteers begin to build relationships with both the organisation and the children. I hope these connections continue to grow and that many of the volunteers remain involved with SORA after our programme comes to an end, helping to sustain this impact in the community.
Outside of the project, I was also able to explore more of the surrounding region by visiting the colourful town Guatapé and climbing Piedra del Peñol, a giant granite rock, with over 700 steps leading to the summit. From the top, there were spectacular views across the Peñol-Guatapé reservoir created by a hydroelectric dam. It was a wonderful opportunity to experience another part of Colombia and gain a greater appreciation of the natural beauty and diversity of the region.