Change the World Youth Coding Awards takes Joburg by storm
SANDTON – Change the World Trust launches a new era of collaboration between corporates and government in which computer programming and literacy skills take centre-stage.
Twitter was abuzz on the night of 28 October with the news of a new set of awards for the youth taking part in coding events throughout the country.
Change the World Trust manages the Hour of Code campaign in South Africa and has launched a new era of collaboration between corporates and government in which computer programming and literacy skills take centre-stage to enable creativity and entrepreneurship in government schools.
South African-born internet mogul and brand ambassador of Change the World Trust, Madoda Khuzwayo shared his vision of developing 100 000 tech entrepreneurs in the next 10 years. Khuzwayo complained that South Africans have become consumers of the tech economy instead of creators. He seeks to change that through supporting coding in schools and other tech interventions.
Natalie Emery, the director of Change the World Trust, explained how the trust is solving the current educational crisis in the country, adding that last year, they were able to reach a total of 2 615 direct beneficiaries.
The highlight of the event was the award ceremony where prizes were handed out for the most outstanding partner schools and organisations, appreciating their commitment, dedication and passion for teaching coding and ICT.
One of the beneficiaries and a current intern at Change the World, Siphiwe Mtshali shared, “I had the dream to go to university and study business management but my dreams came crashing down due to not having sufficient funds to pay for tuition fees. Today, after studying with Change the World, I am a qualified PC technician and currently in the process of writing my CompTIA A+ exams. I am also currently an intern at Change the World, learning administration skills and enhancing my IT skills. Change the World has truly changed my life.”
Following the first part of the event, participants were invited to a complimentary dinner, catered for by the Holiday Inn Sandton and entertainment was provided by Lilly Million, an inspirational songwriter and vocalist.
Details: Amanda Chukura; amanda@changetheworld.org.za
