On a bright and inspiring Saturday 17 Augut 2024, Masibambane Secondary School in Khayelitsha became a hive of creativity and collaboration as young minds gathered for an innovative event under the theme, “Collaborating for Girl Empowerment in Al(girl)rithms”. The event brought together 11 primary school girls from Molo Mhlaba School, 15 girls and five boys from Masibambane Secondary School, all eager to dive into the algorithmic world of collaboration for African design.

The event was not just about learning technical skills; it was about empowering young girls to step into roles traditionally not associated with them. The secondary school girls took on the role of scientists, breaking away from traditional nurturing roles and embracing the challenge of understanding and applying algorithms. This was a powerful statement of how girls are redefining their futures, proving they can excel in fields requiring analytical thinking and creativity.

The most inspiring aspect of the day was the collaboration between the primary and secondary school girls. Paired together, the girls spent the day learning the intricacies of algorithms and then applying their newfound knowledge to sew a final piece of African design. The energy in the room was exhilirating as the girls worked side by side, sharing ideas and supporting each other. This hands-on experience taught them valuable skills and fostered a sense of unity and teamwork. By the end of the day, the room was filled with smiles and a deep sense of accomplishment. The girls were beaming with pride as they showcased their final designs, each piece uniquely reflecting their hard work and creativity. The joy in their achievements was contagious, inspiring everyone present.

Inspired by the collaboration, the secondary school girls expressed a keen interest in visiting the primary school to understand their context better. This desire to build bridges between different educational stages highlights the potential for ongoing mentorship and support, ensuring the lessons learned during the event resonate long after the day. Photos from the event captured the vibrant atmosphere and the joy of learning together. These images testify to what can be achieved when girls are given the tools and the opportunity to explore their potential. The event was a resounding success, showing that we can construct algorithmic design as well as for a brighter future when we work together.