Cultivating Young Minds: The Success of Intellectual Property School Clubs
In March 2022, the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO), in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) of the Republic of Korea, launched a groundbreaking initiative. This initiative aims to introduce and demystify Intellectual Property (IP) education in secondary schools across ARIPO's Member States. The initiative seeks to empower future generations with knowledge and respect for IP rights.
Building a Culture of Respect for Innovation and Creativity
The project started with a pilot phase in Botswana, Malawi, and Zimbabwe and is intended to expand to new ARIPO Members. This initiative utilized a four-phased approach to instill a deep understanding and respect for IP and foster creativity and innovation among young Africans:
1. Equipping Teachers: Educators in the pilot countries received training (distance learning and onsite) to ensure successful implementation.
2. Establishing IP Clubs: Schools formed IP clubs or utilized the existing clubs, such as Science and Arts clubs, to provide a platform for ongoing engagement and activities.
3. National and Regional Competitions: Competitions motivated students to be innovative and creative, identified top performers, and fostered a culture of respecting IP rights.
4. Spreading Awareness Through Students: By empowering students as educators, the project leveraged their social circles to broaden the message's reach.
This comprehensive approach aimed to cultivate a generation that understands and values IP, inculcating an innovative and creative mind and leverage on IP. Key focuses include creating IP awareness, building respect for IP, and engaging students as active participants and educators.
Pilot Program Success
The pilot program in 2022 was a success. Twenty teachers were trained, and 182 students from nine schools actively participated in IP education. National IP competitions were held in the pilot countries, recognizing top performers and motivating students.
At the 46th Session of the ARIPO Administrative Council in Maputo, Mozambique, St. Joseph's College (Botswana), Dzivarasekwa 1 High School (Zimbabwe), and Bwaila High School (Malawi) were awarded for their outstanding performances, with St. Joseph's College taking first place. The WIPO Director General, Mr. Daren Tang, and ARIPO Director General, Mr. Bemanya Twebaze, graced the awards ceremony.
Expansion and Continued Success in 2023
In 2023, the project expanded in Malawi and Zimbabwe, with government support bringing the number of schools involved from six to eighteen. Thirty-six teachers took part, and both national and regional competitions were held. Dzivarasekwa 1 High School in Zimbabwe came first, while Dzenza Secondary School in Malawi secured second place.
Impact of Establishing IP School Clubs
The establishment of IP school clubs has had a significant impact. Before the IP Clubs, students had limited knowledge of IP and its importance. However, after establishing the IP Clubs, training sessions, guest speakers, and competitions significantly increased their understanding and enthusiasm. This has led to Increased student engagement and enthusiasm in IP matters, practical application of IP knowledge, such as a student voluntarily registering a poem under copyright, designing a logo and symbol as a trademark, and Improved club management with active student involvement.
Experiences from the Participants
St. Joseph’s IP Club: Educators at St. Joseph’s took the initiative to educate their students about IP, leading workshops and projects that emphasized the importance of respecting IP rights. Their commitment to continuing this education highlights the program's sustainability.
Bwaila High School, Malawi: The IP club at Bwaila Secondary School transformed students' understanding of IP, previously a foreign concept. Activities like training sessions, guest speakers, and competitions significantly enhanced their knowledge and engagement.
Chinsapo Secondary School, Malawi: Students at Chinsapo Secondary School learned about patents, trademarks, and copyright, understanding the importance of protecting creative ideas. The club credits this valuable knowledge to the Copyright Society of Malawi (COSOMA).
Mchitanjiru IP Club, Malawi: Limited to ten members due to high interest, the IP club at Mchitanjiru Secondary School demonstrated positive progress, with students meeting regularly to learn about IP.
Northlea High School, Zimbabwe: Teachers at Northlea High School incorporated IP education into their curriculum, transforming students into responsible creators who respect their own and others' IP. They initiated IP awareness campaigns, further spreading knowledge.
Eveline High School, Zimbabwe: Through their IP club, students at Eveline High School developed leadership, media management, and collaboration skills. Competitions helped them understand IP better and fostered a preference for original products.
Dzivarasekwa 1 High School, Zimbabwe: The IP club at Dzivarasekwa 1 High School, winners of national and regional competitions, aims to expand participation and sustain their success in IP education.
Looking Ahead
The Intellectual Property clubs have empowered students with valuable knowledge and fostered a culture of creativity and innovation, respect for IP, and protection of IP. This initiative has the potential to create a significant impact by fostering a generation of responsible young minds who appreciate intellectual property rights, thus contributing to shaping the IP landscape in Africa.
During the 65th WIPO General Assemblies, the ARIPO and WIPO Directors General signed a Partnership Agreement on 16 July 2024 for the third edition of the IP Clubs Project in Secondary Schools.