Gulu Children Transform Local Toys into Robots with Wokober's Innovative Approach

Seventeen-year-old Doreen Laker is among the trailblazers. After completing her O-Level exams, she bypassed the typical holiday break to work on a groundbreaking invention: a prototype smart dustbin.

Children in Gulu are redefining traditional toys, transforming them into electric-powered robots as they embrace the future of artificial intelligence (AI) under the guidance of Wokober Education Foundation.

This competence-based learning model is inspiring young innovators to address real-world challenges using technology.

Seventeen-year-old Doreen Laker is among the trailblazers. After completing her O-Level exams, she bypassed the typical holiday break to work on a groundbreaking invention: a prototype smart dustbin.

The bin opens automatically to dispose of rubbish and can separate wet waste from dry using a water sensor and thermometer.

“This automatic dustbin senses motion to avoid physical contact,” Laker explained. “Most diseases are spread through germs found on dustbin lids. By eliminating physical contact, this innovation can help prevent infections.”

Laker’s mentor, Joram Oceng Jesse, an Information Technology expert at Wokober, envisions her work evolving into an interactive application.

“Her interface could be programmed and hosted to allow people to interact with the system autonomously,” he said.

Once fully functional, the smart dustbin could significantly improve waste management and hygiene.

Wokober Education Foundation encourages children to merge AI with traditional toys and tools, creating robots that simplify tasks and address pressing issues.

Toys such as cars, aeroplanes, and farm tools are being reimagined to incorporate technology.

One such project involves 13-year-old Steven Ojok, whose toy-making skills help support his family.

Meanwhile, parents like Stella Apiyo have witnessed life-changing impacts on their children.

Apiyo’s epileptic son, who crafts toy cars from wire, recently earned Shs 20,000 from his creations. “This has brought therapy and income into our lives,” she shared.

Marion Akello, a tutor at Wokober, highlights the cultural significance of toy-making in African communities.

“From our local context, this is our robotics. We grew up making toys and dolls from resources like sorghum stems,” Akello said.

“What was once child’s play is now a source of joy and income for others.”

Ben Wokorach, a celebrated Makerere University architecture graduate, draws inspiration from these local creations.

He aims to scale Wokober’s approach across Uganda and Africa, empowering children with practical skills for innovation and entrepreneurship.

“Our goal is to nurture problem solvers and leaders who develop solutions for real-world challenges,” Wokorach emphasized.

Wokober Education Foundation is not just a hub for innovation—it’s a platform fostering creativity, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

By integrating traditional African ingenuity with cutting-edge AI, these young minds in Gulu are proving that local solutions can have a global impact.

As children like Laker and Ojok transform their communities, Wokober's efforts illustrate a hopeful future for Africa’s youth, where traditional crafts evolve into powerful tools for change.