"Snap me" as a pointer to "rabbit holes" in the Singa environment

Abstract

Vulnerable children are faced with the problem of in-accessibility to the information, services and people they need to advance in life. The definition of vulnerable children is those whose basic needs are not fully provided for and those that are not in a position to self-protect themselves. This includes orphans, street children, child labourers, children who are sexually exploited, children in child-headed households, child soldiers, refugees, children from poor households and children who are neglected, to name a few. This paper describes a digital environment called "SNAP ME" that assists in finding entrance points for vulnerable children and youths to a digital portal called SINGA. SINGA exposes these children to scenarios that simulate real-world situations and enables them to learn how to cope with life's challenges. An entrance point is referred to as a "rabbit hole". In particular the environment referred to here, introduces the vulnerable children and youths to science, engineering and technology (SET) concepts, in an effort to channel them towards SET careers