Brazil Flying Labs Empowers Youth Through Python Programming and Drone Technology
The course is part of Brazil Flying Labs' broader mission to enhance STEM education among underrepresented groups.
October 24th, 2024
On July 6th, a transformative journey began for young students in Jundiaí and Cajamar, two cities in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, with the launch of the Python Programming with Drones course. This initiative, led by Brazil Flying Labs in collaboration with local governments, aims to empower youth from vulnerable communities by providing hands-on learning experiences in technology.
This course is part of Brazil Flying Labs' broader mission to enhance STEM education among underrepresented groups, focusing on the practical applications of drones. This year, we are particularly excited to partner with ColetivoMin@, an initiative dedicated to increasing female participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Thanks to generous support from Iron Mountain's Moving Mountains initiative, this course not only equips students with valuable skills but also opens pathways to future careers. Learning Python, one of the most in-demand programming languages globally, provides students with essential tools to navigate the rapidly changing tech landscape. By incorporating drones into the curriculum, we expose them to cutting-edge technology that is transforming industries such as logistics, agriculture, and environmental conservation.
It’s inspiring to see these young people engage with such advanced technology. We’re not just teaching them to code; we’re showing them how technology can address real-world challenges, including those within their own communities.
— Brazil Flying Labs team
Over the course of several weeks, students have delved into Python fundamentals while gaining practical experience in drone operation. From basic flight control to data collection using drone sensors, the program offers a unique blend of programming skills and hands-on applications rarely available to youth in these regions.
Eighteen students, aged 15 and older, were selected through a rigorous process that included interviews and recommendations from local social services, such as UGADS from Jundiaí City Hall and CREAS from Cajamar City Hall.
We are immensely proud of the work being done here. Our mission is to democratize access to technology, and this course exemplifies how we can create opportunities for young people, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, to acquire skills that will empower them in the job market.
— Brazil Flying Labs team
As these students embark on their journey into the world of Python and drones, they are not merely learning to code or fly; they are becoming innovators, problem solvers, and future leaders in their communities. We congratulate the Brazil Flying Labs team and all partners involved for making this impactful course a reality!
Together, we are moving mountains—one drone and one line of code at a time.