iGnite Technological Hub, a skills development organisation in the tech space launched a Coderdojo Girls Code Programme for local children on August 10 at Safe-Hub, Jabulani.
The Coderdojo Girls Code it is an after school programme aimed at equipping local young girls with technological skills such as coding and programming whilst fighting the gender inequality which exists in tech where women are not represented enough.
ALSO READ: Empowering the youth with practical job skills
Founder and Director of iGnite Tech, Tebogo Phungwayo said, “With the initiative we’re launching today, we hope to teach children the fundamentals of coding and robotics at a young age.
“Furthermore, by doing this, we hope to increase the number of female tech representatives in the industry.”
Phungwayo further stated that young girls who are chosen to participate in the programme are those with a basic understanding of coding and robotics.
They prefer not to select someone with no knowledge but rather someone who is passionate about the programme because this is an opportunity that will take the young girls far.
Among the stakeholders supporting the project are Village Tech, Echoes of 76, South West Gauteng College (SWGC) and Safe Hub Café.
ALSO READ: Zwino Youth Skills Development Project keeps children off the streets
Founder and Director of Village Tech, Bontle Ramatsetse told Urban News that what made them agree to be part of Coderdojo Girls Code is that they are also passionate about ICT development especially for young people in urban areas as well as rural places.
“To all the young ladies who are part of the programme, I would like to say to them they shouldn’t give up.
“This journey is not going to be easy, learning coding is not easy especially if you don’t have any background in ICT but they must stay in the course because what they are going to learn is going to set them up for life.
“Most of our careers right now have integrated ICT and there is also a great shortage of ICT professionals in the country. So with these skills they can became whatever they want to be in the new digital economy,” she said.
The young ladies were given motivational talks by professionals in the fields of robotics and coding, and they were also given the opportunity to ask any questions they had about the programme.
Lesego Tau Education Foundation Project Manager, Makhotsho Motswana said, “As it is Women’s Month, I am extremely pleased and impressed by this initiative.
“It makes me happy to see young girls being motivated to take responsibility and be self-starters. I’m also glad that they are realising that they can stand their ground and pursue their dreams without gender stereotypes.”
