Girls in ICT Bootcamps: Young innovators rewarded for AI-Powered Video Projects

The winners of the 2025 edition of Girls in ICT Bootcamps were rewarded today during an award ceremony held in Ebène, for their efforts and achievements in creating AI-powered short videos. A joint initiative of the Ministry of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation and the Mauritius Digital Promotion Agency (MDPA), the aim was to foster digital literacy, innovation and creativity among young girls, while encouraging greater female participation in technology-driven sectors.

The Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation, Dr Avinash Ramtohul; the Officer-in-Charge of the MDPA, Dr Kaleem Usmani; as well as rectors, educators, and students attended the ceremony.

Addressing the participants, Minister Ramtohul highlighted the importance of empowering girls through technology and encouraging them to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). He stressed the need to promote gender equality by equipping girls with digital skills so that they can explore emerging technologies.

Dr Ramtohul reaffirmed the Government’s commitment in ensuring equal opportunities for both girls and boys in the digital era, as well as bridging gender gaps in STEM education.

The Minister also emphasised the emergence of new career opportunities driven by AI, and encouraged students to explore the wide range of professions that will shape the future workforce.

For his part, Dr Usmani underscored the relevance of increasing female participation in ICT, noting that the inclusion of girls and women in the technology sector is essential to supporting the country’s digital transformation.

During the 2025 school holidays, four bootcamps were organised and conducted over two days. Participants were introduced to AI-powered short video creation through hands-on exercises. They were tasked to produce videos on the following themes: