Gaza – On August 28, 2023, the Techno Hara project concluded its transformative journey after nearly three months of training and innovation, which began on June 1, 2023. The closing event featured a showcase exhibition of six pioneering projects developed by young participants, embodying creativity, problem-solving, and the spirit of technological innovation.
The exhibition was attended by representatives from SPARK for Innovation and Creativity, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Gaza Municipality, and University College London (UCL). Attendees delivered motivational speeches to inspire the youth and celebrate their journey of learning and innovation. The speakers emphasized the importance of empowering young minds to lead the future of technology and innovation, highlighting how initiatives like Techno Hara can transform communities and build a more resilient future.
A Journey of Innovation and Creativity
The Techno Hara project trained 35 boys and girls aged 12 to 17 from the neighborhoods of Al-Daraj, Al-Remal, and Al-Zaytoun. The project aimed to empower young participants through interactive learning in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), with a strong focus on project-based learning and human-centered design (HCD).
Unlike traditional learning programs, Techno Hara adopted a practical, hands-on approach, encouraging students to explore real-world challenges in their communities and develop technology-driven solutions. Throughout the program, participants moved from idea development to prototype creation, with the support of trainers, experts, and mentors.
The result? Six groundbreaking projects that reflect the creativity and potential of Gaza’s youth. These projects were presented during the exhibition, where students had the chance to pitch their ideas and demonstrate prototypes to an audience of industry experts, community leaders, and stakeholders.
The Closing Exhibition: A Stage for Creativity and Inspiration
The closing exhibition of the Techno Hara initiative was not just an event — it was a platform for the students to showcase their innovations and reflect on their educational journey. Over the course of the event, the young participants presented their ideas and demonstrated their prototypes to the audience. Each project represented a tangible solution to community challenges in Gaza, with a focus on technology and social impact.
The six projects presented by the students included:
- Smart Waste Bins: A system that uses sensors to detect when waste bins are full, enabling efficient waste collection and reducing environmental pollution.
- Smart Agriculture: An automated system for monitoring soil conditions and optimizing water usage, enhancing sustainable agriculture in Gaza.
- Smart Traffic Lights: An intelligent traffic control system designed to reduce traffic congestion using sensors and smart data analysis.
- Smart Home Control: A system for managing home devices remotely, promoting energy efficiency and enhancing daily convenience.
- Smart Security System: A home security device that detects intrusions and alerts homeowners in real time, providing a safer living environment.
- Remote Farm Control: A system that allows farmers to monitor and manage farm resources, such as irrigation and water usage, remotely via smart devices.
These projects demonstrated the power of community-driven innovation, as students sought to address local challenges using modern technological solutions.
Empowering Youth for the Future
The Techno Hara project didn’t just teach students how to code or build robots — it transformed them into leaders, innovators, and changemakers. Participants were trained in essential 21st-century skills, such as problem-solving, leadership, and teamwork, as well as public speaking skills. During the exhibition, the students had the opportunity to present their projects in front of an audience of stakeholders and community leaders, giving them the confidence to pitch their ideas in real-world scenarios.
One of the participants, Layan Ahmed, shared her experience:
“At first, I was nervous, but now I feel more confident. Our team created the smart agriculture project, and I’m so proud of what we achieved. Presenting our project at the exhibition was a big step for me, and I believe it’s just the beginning of something bigger.”
Her words highlight the profound impact that Techno Hara has had on the lives of its participants. It was not just about technical skills, but also about fostering confidence, leadership, and a sense of purpose.
A Message of Support and Encouragement
During the exhibition, representatives from GIZ, SPARK, Gaza Municipality, and UCL shared motivational speeches aimed at encouraging the young participants. They emphasized the importance of initiatives like Techno Hara in nurturing a new generation of innovators and leaders.
One representative from GIZ said:
“What we see here today is not just student projects. It’s proof that Gaza’s youth are capable of innovation, creativity, and change. They are capable of leading the future, and we must continue to support them.”
Another representative from Gaza Municipality highlighted the role of young people in addressing community challenges, saying:
“These young innovators didn’t create these projects for themselves alone. They did it for their community. Their solutions are seeds of change, and we are committed to supporting them as they continue to grow.”
