Microsoft, KidsComp, AISEC JKUAT to train 5,000 kids on basic coding

Microsoft Kenya has partnered with KidsComp Camp and AISEC JKUAT to train 5,000 primary school pupils aged 9-15 years from at least 5 counties in Kenya on basic coding through the WeSpeakCodeKE Initiative.

The WeSpeakCodeKE initiative that is part of Microsoft Global Youth Spark Initiative seeks to spark interest and demystify coding among young learners in Kenya. The project that was recently launched has already trained 2581 pupils from 4 counties; Homabay, Nyeri, Kitui and Vihigaand hopes to reach an additional 2,000 pupils in Nairobi and Machakos counties.

Speaking during the WeSpeakCodeKE training at YMCA Kibera Primary School in Nairobi, Microsoft Kenya Microsoft Kenya’s ‎Citizenship & Public Affairs Manager Alex Nyingi said the company was committed through the Microsoft YouthSpark global initiative to increase access for all youth to learn computer science, empowering them to achieve more for themselves, their families and their communities.

“As our world continues its evolution into one that is mobile-first and cloud-first, it is important for educators in the country to seriously consider offering coding as a subject and how it can be integrated into the curriculum as soon as possible. We believe that code is a language that anyone can learn and computational thinking is an essential foundational skill that should be taught in all schools – regardless of age, gender, or your current field of study,” he added.

The training that targeted 500 pupils saw them receive introductory computer science training using Kodu Game Lab- a Microsoft owned software. This will provide a foundation to develop the computational-thinking and problem-solving skills that are critical for the pupil’s development and additionally usher the young learners to the world of building computer/mobile games which they are usually the target audience for playing.

Also present at the training was Kids Comp Camp’s Caleb Ndaka who reiterated that the aim of the program was to demystify coding as spark interest in it as an active 21^st century skill especially amongst young learners.

“Technology has become an integral part of people’s daily lives around the world and that there is a growing demand to teach youth not only how to use technology, but also how to create technology to help them become the innovators and drivers of growth and opportunity in their communities,” said Mr. Ndaka.