The College of Information and Communication Technologies (CoICT) at the University of Dar es Salaam successfully hosted the TeenTech Tanzania Commemoration Ceremony, celebrating the achievements of students, facilitators, teachers, and partners who contributed to the successful completion of the programme's first cohort.

The event brought together students from participating secondary schools, educators, technology experts, and stakeholders to reflect on the impact of TeenTech and recognize outstanding achievements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cybersecurity education.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Principal of CoICT represented by Dr. Juma H. Lungo,  highlighted the importance of investing in young people through technology education and innovation. He noted that TeenTech was established with the vision of empowering secondary school students with practical knowledge and skills in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity while nurturing a new generation of innovators, creators, and technology leaders.

Through its first cohort, TeenTech engaged more than 120 students from five secondary schools in Dar es Salaam: Zanaki Secondary School, Jangwani Girls Secondary School, Kisutu Girls Secondary School, Oysterbay Secondary School, and Kijitonyama Secondary School. Over eight weeks, students participated in structured learning sessions covering Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Generative AI, Cybersecurity Awareness, Digital Identity Protection, Responsible Digital Citizenship, and Online Safety.

The programme's impact was showcased through an exciting Cybersecurity Capture The Flag (CTF) Challenge, where students applied the knowledge and skills acquired during the training. The challenge provided participants with hands-on experience in problem-solving, teamwork, and cybersecurity practices.

A key highlight of the ceremony was an inspiring virtual presentation delivered via Zoom by UNESCO-OWSD Fellow Dr. Priscilla Muheki from Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda. 
In her remarks, she encouraged students to embrace science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines and take advantage of emerging opportunities in technology-driven careers.

The ceremony also featured remarks from the Acting CoICT Principal Dr. Juma H. Lungo , who emphasized that programmes such as TeenTech are critical in supporting Tanzania's digital transformation agenda. He noted that the future workforce will require not only technological knowledge but also the ability to innovate, adapt, and solve complex challenges using technology.

The event further marked the official launch of the TeenTech Website, providing a platform for sharing learning resources, programme activities, achievements, and future opportunities for students and stakeholders.

During the awards ceremony, outstanding participants were recognized for their dedication and performance, while facilitators and partner schools were acknowledged for their commitment to supporting technology education among secondary school students.

The Acting CoICT Principal expressed gratitude to the Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) under UNESCO for supporting the initiative and commended Dr. Hellen Maziku for securing the grant that made the programme possible.

As the first cohort comes to a close, TeenTech Tanzania looks forward to expanding its reach to more schools and inspiring more young people—especially girls—to pursue careers in STEM, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and other emerging technologies.

The commemoration concluded with reflections on the programme's achievements, a vote of thanks, group photographs, networking sessions, and a shared commitment to building a future where young Tanzanians are equipped to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.

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