Empowering Tomorrow's Aviators: Morocco Flying Labs' Drone Program for Youth

By Morocco Flying Labs

As technology expands and improves, imparting crucial knowledge to the younger generation is important. Morocco Flying Labs has undertaken an initiative to facilitate this learning process by introducing an exciting drone program tailored specifically for children. This endeavor isn't just about showing them how awesome drones are and teaching them to be safe and responsible with them. 

Program Overview

Engaging 43 students aged 10 to 15, the training took place from 17th to 18th June 2023. It was held simultaneously with the Miathon First Edition at the House of Artificial Intelligence of Mohammed First University in Oujda. The team comprised three members from Morocco Flying Labs and 11 instructors.

The program was divided into theoretical and practical sessions. The theoretical sessions covered an introduction to drones, drone technology and local applications, and safety protocols and flight preparation. The practical sessions included thumb rule practice, manual flight training, and coding for aerial mapping.

Introduction to Drones

The program kicked off by showcasing the fascinating capabilities of drones. The Morocco Flying Labs team taught participants about drones and the amazing things they can do. We emphasized that it's not just about flying toys; it's about using drones to help our communities.

Safety was a top priority in the program. The young participants were introduced to the roles of Pilot and Co-Pilot, and safety rules and guidelines were covered extensively to ensure that flying drones remain a secure activity for everyone. Beyond controlling the drone correctly, they also learned the permissible and restricted areas for flying and practiced using a pre-flight checklist. They became skilled at using drone apps, managing take-offs and landings, and ensuring their flights go smoothly.

Manual Flights: Taking Control of the Skies

In the program, things really soared when participants dove into hands-on sessions with drones. With skilled mentors leading the way, they took charge, feeling the rush and responsibility of handling drones firsthand. These sessions aren't just about mastering the technical aspects but also about instilling confidence in them as they navigate the skies and understand the ins and outs of aerial operations. By immersing themselves in these experiences, they gained practical skills and a profound understanding of the importance of precision and safety in aerial maneuvers. 

Coding Session

We also taught our young participants how to use code to control drones. They used an app called Tello Edu to learn how to make drones do different things, such as mapping areas from the sky. They wrote instructions (code) that told the drones what to do and then tried it to see if it worked.

Nurturing Responsible Aviators

Morocco Flying Labs' program is unique because it helps children learn about technology in a cool way. They don't learn just the theory of drones but also get to try things out for real, which helps them prioritize safety and skill. Upon completing the program, participants have extensive knowledge about drones and develop a keen awareness of the importance of responsible technology use. 

Morocco Flying Labs continues to inspire young minds, shaping a future where technology is harnessed responsibly for the greater good. The program empowers them to be smart and helpful, using new ideas to make a difference in their communities.