Hello! We’re Lucca Schmidt and Samo Darwish, high school juniors from New York City with a deep passion for education and community service.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca1KYZ3bLqM

This summer, we’re traveling to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to support local reconstruction efforts. Afrogames, a dynamic initiative by AfroReggae, is dedicated to transforming lives through education. AfroReggae’s mission is to provide underprivileged communities with opportunities at the intersection of art, science, and technology. Through its technology centers located in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, AfroReggae provides proactive children with vital tools such as foundational computer skills, instruction in the English language, and a nurturing community full of like-minded people. In partnership with this organization, we are excited to offer a course on the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence—exploring its connections to coding, game development, and essential life skills. As the immense potential of AI becomes more apparent, we understand that equipping these young minds with knowledge and exposure could be the key to unlocking their future success. To make this course possible, the funds raised through this campaign will go to purchasing computers for both educators and students—providing the necessities so that they can turn their coding dreams into reality. If you would like to learn more, we’ve attached a brief video that highlights the incredible work AfroGames is doing—and the bright young minds they’re empowering every day.