In order to prepare children for the dynamic labor market and equip them with essential technological skills, it is crucial to foster their growth in multiple areas. Additionally, engaging children in extracurricular courses can contribute to their brain development and overall skill set.

Recognizing this need, Active Labs has introduced online robotics courses and physical classes for children. These courses not only provide valuable technological knowledge but also act as a shield against harmful internet content and other distractions that can lead children astray.

Located in the north of Morocco, Active Labs has emerged as a game changer in the field of robotics and programming. Salma Maroufi, the Marketing and Sales Manager at Active Labs, highlighted the center’s offerings during a recent interview with IGIHE. She mentioned that Active Labs provides classes for children aged 7 to 16, where they engage in robotics, coding, and 3D modeling.

"The children work with various robots, learning how to program them using tools like PyTab. They also delve into coding with programming languages such as Python, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript," stated Maroufi. She further explained that the center offers both on-site and online classes, allowing children to explore the world of technology from the comfort of their homes while enjoying the educational and interactive experience.

Maroufi emphasized that the primary goal of Active Labs is to encourage children to utilize their time effectively by engaging in technology-driven learning experiences, rather than aimlessly scrolling through social media or spending excessive time gaming. By meeting other children and having fun while learning, children can enhance their educational journey. Active Labs also collaborates with schools, providing classes and spreading their educational impact even further.

Active Labs caters to children of all skill levels, ranging from beginners to advanced learners. Maroufi expressed the center’s commitment to lifelong learning, stating, "We have beginner and advanced classes. Children can start as beginners, and the following year, they can progress to the advanced level. Some children have stayed with us for four years, experiencing an annual level up and an advanced program. With the rapid advancements in AI and technology, there is always something new to learn."

Maroufi proudly shared the achievements of some of the center’s trained children, who have excelled in international robotics competitions.

"We participated in the first LEGO League Challenge, an international robotics competition, where one of our teams presented an innovative project. They created a robot capable of detecting the emotions of special needs children. Through a connected app, parents receive notifications about their child’s emotional state. This outstanding project earned them second place internationally," Maroufi explained.

The center not only nurtures young talent but also provides a platform for children to explore their own ideas and unleash their imagination. Active Labs encourages children to turn their concepts into reality and supports them throughout the process.

In terms of fees, Maroufi revealed that Active Labs charges approximately $360 per year for each child enrolled in their training programs. Additionally, they offer a three-month program to provide parents with various options.

"For our online classes, such as the Python course, we offer 12 sessions, one per week, totaling three months of training. The fee for this program is 144 euros, which is quite affordable. We coordinate with a group of seven children and provide an animated coaching session through a platform called Work Adventure. It’s similar to Zoom but offers a more engaging and interactive experience," Maroufi added.

Active Labs was founded in 2016 with a focus on robotics, but their online courses were launched just three months ago.

It was among tech startups that showcased their innovations on the sidelines of the inaugural GITEX Africa Summit held recently in Morocco.

Looking ahead, Maroufi envisions a future where an increasing number of children join Active Labs to enjoy the fun, educational, and beneficial experiences it offers. She anticipates a surge in registrations and a thriving learning atmosphere, as children enthusiastically embrace the opportunities provided by the center’s diverse technologies.

As the world becomes increasingly reliant on innovative technologies, Active Labs serves as a catalyst for change, inspiring more tech startups to introduce innovations that can transform not only the African continent but also the world at large.

At Active Labs, children learn how to program various robots.

Salma Maroufi, the Marketing and Sales Manager at Active Labs taking a visitor through offered services on the sidelines of GITEX Africa Summit in the Red City of Marrakech, Morocco.