Embracing AI: A New Chapter of Empowering Youth
In an organization with over a century of existence, how many moments of change have been? What advancements may have driven the shift in methodologies, principles, and procedures, without ever compromising the fulfillment of a vision and mission that has been followed for more than 100 years, which can be summed up as the idea of better preparing young people for tomorrow? For their entry into the job market. So they can develop skills. So they can acquire relevant knowledge. So they can contribute to improving their quality of life, but also positively impact the lives of others. There have surely been many. A lot. As many as necessary to ensure that today this organization is recognized as one of the top ten NGOs worldwide.
It is in this spirit that, also in Portugal, by always aspiring to incorporate this sense of innovation and constantly seeking new ways to adapt to the educational and training demands that young students face today, in 2021, Junior Achievement Portugal accepted the invitation to participate in the pilot project with INTEL®, in partnership with JA Europe and three other counterparts, in a first joint initiative focused on developing projects with Artificial Intelligence components.
Fully aware of the strong market trends in this area, we naturally decided to join this project, which immediately seemed like a valuable opportunity, both for students and for the schools and teachers themselves, who could thus expand their curricular offerings and training portfolio. The first year was quite challenging, still largely due to the effects of the pandemic. On many levels, it was truly a pilot year, which allowed us above all to understand some of the difficulties inherent in implementing the project and delivering content in the classroom. Nevertheless, once these issues were overcome, the outcome could not have been more positive, culminating in a final event where teams of secondary school students had the opportunity to present their innovative solutions to real-world problems, all incorporating elements of Artificial Intelligence. It was indeed an enriching event, and the result of a project that allowed students to explore new areas of learning.
Two years later, we find ourselves continuing this journey. The 2.0 phase, so to speak. The journey is halfway through, but we can already guarantee that the path taken only makes us even more eager for the future. After a first year with the Entr4Youth initiative, the DTTI for Agri-Food edition will bring new challenges and the ambition to reach 1,000 students in our country. Having the opportunity to equip such a large number of students with knowledge about Artificial Intelligence and technology skills and will be an absolute privilege given the current educational context and future professional demands. It’s the real possibility, in the classroom, to make the difference we want to see in the training and preparation of young students and citizens.
In essence, it’s yet another moment of change. Another adaptation. Necessary, advisable, and one that will surely contribute to the successful achievement of Junior Achievement’s goals, as well as the hopes and motivations of the schools and teachers who are with us. It’s already a certainty. Say Hi to AI.
