The Brace Conference 2024, hosted by the Rubies Tech Foundation on July 20, was a vibrant celebration of young talent in technology. With the theme “Digital Dreams: Inspire, Create, Achieve” the event provided a platform for kids and teenagers to explore their passions in coding and digital skills. Held virtually, the conference was designed to inspire creativity and empower youth, encouraging them to shape the future digital world.
Inspiring Creativity and Achievement
The event featured a stellar lineup of guest speakers, including Victoria Yorke, Olajuwon Afolabi, and Nathan Olofintuade, who shared their journeys and insights into the tech world. Hanif Olayiwola and Stella Ladegbaye, the hosts, emphasized the importance of nurturing creativity and achievement among young participants. The conference also highlighted the Rubies Girls and Code Heroines, young panelists who shared their experiences and projects.
Speakers and Key Highlights
Victoria Yorke emphasized the importance of determination, consistency, and passion in the tech field. She inspired participants with her message: “Be determined to learn and grow, be consistent in learning, and the passion you develop for it will be a fuel to keep the fire of determination and consistency burning.” Her words resonated with many young participants, emphasizing that success in technology is a gradual process requiring dedication.
Nathan Olofintuade, a young and passionate coder, shared his continuous journey of learning and improvement. He reflected, “With each project I tackle, my skills grew and evolved, reflecting my continuous journey of learning and improvement. It wasn’t easy; it was never easy, but I enjoyed every moment along the way.” Nathan’s story underscored the joy of overcoming challenges and the satisfaction derived from personal growth.
Olajuwon Afolabi highlighted the importance of coding for everyone and its role in improving humanity. He stated, “Coding is for everyone as well as yourself. Coding enables us to improve humanity in ways we cannot.” His words encouraged attendees to see coding as a universal skill that can drive meaningful change and empower individuals to contribute to society.
Young Innovators Share Their Journeys
The conference featured inspiring stories from young innovators, including an 11-year-old programmer who has created impactful projects like a platform to support the homeless. The presentations demonstrated the significant impact that young minds can have on society, even through simple projects.
Panel Discussions and Team Collaborations
The Rubies Girls and other young tech enthusiasts participated in a panel session discussing collaborative projects addressing food insecurity and environmental awareness. A notable initiative was the Food Connect app, designed to connect volunteers with surplus food to support communities in need. This project aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly zero hunger, showcasing technology’s potential to drive social good.
The Impact of Early Tech Exposure
The conference concluded with reflections on the impact of early exposure to technology. The closing remarks summed up the core message, which is: “Coding is not just about memorizing but understanding concepts. Creating impactful projects, even simple ones, fosters community engagement and highlights the core purpose of coding: benefiting humanity.”
The Brace Conference 2024 was a testament to the potential of young tech enthusiasts. Hosted by the Rubies Tech Foundation, the event successfully ignited a spark in the next generation of innovators. Through inspiring talks, project showcases, and collaborative efforts, these young minds are now equipped to pursue their digital dreams with determination, consistency, and a positive mindset. The future of technology is bright, with these upcoming talents leading the way.
