We Code, We Solve,
It didn’t rain as predicted on the 1st December 2016 paving a favourable weather condition for an uninterrupted Hour of Code event at Anglo American ICT Resource Centre, Landau.
We started with a full bang… when 50 children arrived at the centre to start their first journey of Basic Computer Science through participating in Coding. “Its nice to be here, … kumnandi ukuba la” recited Sibukosethu Primary School learners showing their state of readiness to code.
The Hour of Code is a global event where children are taught the basics of Computer Science through Coding around the world. Countries choose a week in December to participate in the Hour of Code. In South Africa, we chose the 1st to 9th December where more than 50 schools showed interest and participated in the Hour of Code. Mpumalanga ICT Club couldn’t miss the opportunity to involve schools in eMalahleni. We had learners from Sibukosethu Primary, Landau Primary and individual learners from Patriot High, Curro Bankenveld and Christian Academy.
“I observed the level of creativity, problem solving and collaboration skills among the learners, it was exciting to see such rare skills coming out easy from these children as they code from one level to another” said Mr. Jabu Mashia, one of the facilitator at the centre. Coding is for everyone, young and old. Among the children Kutlwano Legodi was the youngest girl in the Coding Class from Christian Academy, age 5 and in grade R.
We are hoping that these learners will grow the skill of Coding to assist them to choose STEM (science, Technology & Mathematics) careers in future. We are planning to involve all schools in Mpumalanga next year with help organisations who are willing to support this initiative. Emalahleni will buzz and trend #HourofCode next December.
Written by Nomusa Keninda- Mpumalanga ICT Club Founder, Managing and Leading Education with Digital Technology Student at University of Johannesburg and an Online Journalism Graduate from Wits.
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