Community-Centered Early-Engineering: Empowering Rural Schools Through Effective Technology Transfer of Maker Skills with Digital and Smart Energy learning Kits for Young Students Focused on Energy Inequity Challenges

In rural regions of Colombia, particularly in Cundinamarca, energy inequity presents significant challenges, especially in improving educational facilities. The digital gap, STEM skills, and educational quality suffer due to unreliable energy sources. Limited access to energy sources hinders modern teaching tools like computers and Internet access, impacting students' well-being. Outdated infrastructure also raises safety concerns. Addressing this issue requires holistic approaches, incorporating technological innovation with community engagement and capacity building. By supporting service-learning projects aligned with IEEE IAS' mission, stakeholders can foster sustainable development and skill development among future professionals. Specifically, empowering rural schools with maker skills and smart energy learning kits aims to equip young students of the region with the knowledge to address energy challenges and foster innovators for sustainable development and social impact. This project aims to empower rural schools in Colombia by introducing effective technology transfer of maker skills alongside digital and smart energy learning kits for young students. Focused on addressing energy inequity challenges and the climate change context, the project seeks to foster innovation, creativity, and sustainability among students while improving access to reliable energy sources in rural communities.