The African Child-Oriented Design & Engineering for Safety (A-CODES) Child-Centred Design Fellowship is a regional, fully virtual programme for developers, designers, educators, content creators, moderators, and technologists who want to use their skills to create safer digital products and AI tools for children.
As children across the Global South increasingly interact with digital platforms and AI-powered systems, there is an urgent need for professionals who understand not only technology, but also child development, online safety, and prevention-focused design. This fellowship responds to that need by equipping participants with the knowledge and practical tools to design responsibly, contextually, and with children’s best interests at the centre.
Unit 1:
Unit 2
unit 3
Unit 4
Unit 5
Unit 6
unit 7
Unit 8
Unit 1:
Understanding Childhood & Child Development
Facilitator/Lecturer: Dr. Roseline Olumbe, Head of the Institute of Child Development, Daystar University (Kenya)
Objectives:
- To explore childhood across cultural, historical, and technological contexts.
- To analyse theories of child development and their application today.
- To understand the significance of play and learning in child development.
Learning Outcomes:
- Compare childhood across generations and cultures.
- Explain major child development theories and their relevance.
- Assess the impact of technology on childhood development.
Topics:
- Theories of Child Development (Erickson, Bronfenbrenner, Play Theory, Learning Theory, Behavioural Theory)
- Childhood in Context: Cultural, Historical, Present and Anticipatory Future
- Generational Impact of Technological Advancements on Children in the Global South
Unit 2
Emerging Trends in Digital Safety
Facilitators/Lecturers: Caroline Makumbe, Founding Director, Technology Programs & Innovation, Kutunga; Jennifer Kaberi, Founder, Mtoto News
Objectives:
- To identify new and emerging trends in digital safety for children.
- To analyse the implications of emerging technologies on child safety.
- To develop strategies for proactive digital safety measures.
Learning Outcomes:
- To increase understanding of emerging threats to children in digital environments.
- To evaluate tools and practices for addressing new safety challenges in the Global South.
- To design proactive strategies to enhance digital safety.
Topics:
- New Threats in the Digital Landscape (e.g., deepfakes, online grooming, sextortion) in the Global South
- Advances in Digital Safety Tools
- Proactive Strategies for Digital Safety
unit 3
AI & Children in the Global South
Facilitator/Lecturer: John Zoltner, Founder, AI4SocialImpact
Objectives:
- To explore the impact of AI on children’s safety.
- To identify and analyse AI regulations and ethical considerations related to children.
- To design AI solutions and tools tailored to the needs of children in the Global South
Learning Outcomes:
- To understand how AI impacts children’s safety in digital spaces.
- To evaluate AI models from a Global South perspective.
- To have enhanced understanding and skills in designing and training AI models for children in the Global South.
Topics:
- AI in Children’s Lives: Opportunities, Risks and Emerging Trends
- AI Governance and Children in the Global South
- Ethical AI Design for Child Safety
Unit 4
Designing for Children
Facilitators/Lecturers: Dr Kruakae Pothong, Visiting Research Fellow, The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE); Polina Lulu, Founder, Researcher & Child-Centric Design Expert, Young & Wonderful
Objectives:
- To introduce human-centred, child-centred, and safety-by-design approaches.
- To develop best practices in designing safe and engaging technology for children.
- To integrate participatory design processes involving children.
Learning Outcomes:
- To create prototypes following child-centred design principles.
- To apply safety-by-design frameworks in digital tools.
- To identify and analyse the role of children in participatory design.
Topics:
- Design Approaches (Human-Centered, Child-Centered)
- Best Practices for Child-Centered Design
- Participatory Design with Children
Unit 5
Cultural Sensitivity and Contextual Design
Facilitator/Lecturer: Dr. Siva Mathiyazhagan, Research Assistant Professor & SAFE Lab Co-Director, University of Pennsylvania.
Objectives:
- To understand the importance of cultural sensitivity in designing for children.
- To learn how to adapt technology to different cultural contexts.
- To promote inclusivity in design practices.
Learning Outcomes:
- To identify and analyse cultural factors influencing design for children.
- To apply contextual design approaches to real-world scenarios.
- To develop culturally sensitive prototypes.
Topics:
- Importance of Cultural Context in Design in the Global South.
- Adapting Technology for Diverse Audiences in the Global South.
- Inclusive and Participatory Design Practices.
Unit 6
Working with Children
Facilitator/Lecturers: Dr. Elvis Fokala, Manager, Children Rights Units, Center for Human Rights & President, African Network of Constitutional Lawyers (ANCL)
Objectives:
- To promote meaningful engagement with children.
- To differentiate between tokenism and meaningful participation.
- To highlight the importance of safeguarding.
Learning Outcomes:
- To implement ethical practices for child participation.
- To create frameworks for meaningful engagement.
- To develop safeguarding protocols.
Topics:
- Child Participation Models (Consultation vs Engagement)
- Ethical Practices and Safeguarding
- Tokenism vs Meaningful Engagement
unit 7
Data Privacy, Protection, and Ethical Use of Children’s Information
Facilitator/Lecturer: Dr. Usang Maria Assim, Associate Professor, University of Western Cape
Objectives:
- To understand global and regional data protection laws related to children.
- To explore ethical considerations in handling children’s data.
- To analyse the role of privacy in safeguarding children’s digital rights.
Learning Outcomes:
- To identify and analyse key data privacy laws and their implications for children.
- To evaluate ethical concerns in the use of children’s data.
- To apply ethical frameworks to real-world scenarios involving children’s data.
Topics:
- IEEE 2089 Standard for an Age-Appropriate Digital Services Framework – presented by 5Rights
- Overview of Global Data Protection Laws (e.g., COPPA, GDPR, UK Children’s Code)
- Ethical Challenges in Children’s Data Use
- Tools and Practices for Ethical Data Management
Unit 8
Self-Care & Mental Wellbeing – Taking Care of Ourselves (Wounded soldiers wound others)
Facilitator/Lecturer: Dr. Florence Mueni, Clinical Psychologist & Play Therapist
Objectives:
- To recognise the emotional challenges of working with children.
- To foster self-care strategies for professionals.
- To prevent burnout and compassion fatigue.
Learning Outcomes:
- To reflect on the emotional impacts of child-centred work.
- To develop actionable self-care plans.
- To build a culture of care and peer support.
Topics:
- Emotional Impact of Child-Focused Work
- Self-Care Strategies and Techniques
- Mental health and wellness
- Creating Supportive Work Environments
The most innovative solution will be presented at a Global South Conference later in the year, offering visibility and opportunities for further development.