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Empowering Ethical Innovators
How Hakili Is Using the YesWeCode Hackathon to Teach AI Responsibility
Artificial Intelligence is shaping how we live, learn, and communicate—from supporting healthcare innovation to influencing what we see online. For young people growing up in an AI-driven world, understanding not only how technology works but also how it should be used responsibly is critical.
At Hakili Community for Sustainable Development, we are proud to support youth‑led tech education through the YesWeCode Hackathon Fest 2026, themed “AI: Superhero or Supervillain?” Running from January 1–31, 2026, this Canada‑wide hackathon invites children and youth ages 8–15 to explore AI ethics through creativity, storytelling, and beginner‑friendly tech projects.
What Is the YesWeCode Hackathon Fest?
Hackathon Fest is a month-long, beginner-friendly creative tech challenge where youth use imagination, problem-solving, and digital skills to build original projects.
Free to join
Open to ages 8–15
No prior coding experience required
Participants can submit a project in one or more categories by January 31, 2026 to receive a participation prize and be eligible for one of six grand prizes (tech gadgets such as a tablet, headset, or Amazon Echo), plus a LittleLitAI discount code.
Kids can choose how they want to express their ideas:
- – Draw or Paint a Vision – Imagine AI saving the world… or creating chaos.
- – Create a Scratch Project – Build an interactive story showing AI as hero or villain.
- – Code on Any Platform – Design a game, tool, or animation using Code.org, Trinket, Glitch, or another platform.
Every project—simple or complex—is welcome. What matters most is curiosity, creativity, and voice.
Why This Matters
Across Canada and around the world, experts are recognizing that innovation is not just about inventing new technologies—it’s about who gets to shape them and how they are used in real life. When only a narrow group designs technology, it can fail entire communities: from tools that don’t recognize darker skin tones to systems that overlook women’s health or people with disabilities.
Real innovation happens not only in laboratories, but in classrooms, homes, and communities—where ideas are imagined, challenged, and adapted. That is exactly what Hackathon Fest is about.
By inviting children from every background to explore whether AI is a hero or a villain, we are giving them a voice in the future of technology. When an 8-year-old imagines AI protecting their neighbourhood, or a 13-year-old questions how algorithms can harm others, they are practicing ethical, human-centred thinking—skills Canada needs to build technology that truly serves everyone.
Hackathon Fest is not just a competition. It is a national exercise in inclusive innovation.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Visit YesWeCode.ca/hackathonfest for:
– Video tutorials on AI and ethics
– Parent and teacher resource guides
– Email us for free access to LittleLitAI’s interactive learning platform
Everything is designed to be accessible, supportive, and fun—whether your child is brand new to tech or already loves coding.
Funding & Support
This initiative is proudly funded by the Dan Bailie Fund at Calgary Foundation (Grant No. 20263827).
Platform access is generously provided by LittleLitAI.
Ready to Join?
Visit YesWeCode.ca/hackathonfest and register today.
Together, let’s help young people imagine—and build—a future where AI is a force for good.
Questions?
📧 [email protected]