Awakening the interest in programming
Change the World Trust together with Dell Development Fund launched the Hour of Code in South Africa, an innovative programme that awakens the interest of young teenagers for programming.
Maphefo Mofokeng, Grade 12, from East Bank High in Alexandra, did 73 lines of code in her first attempt at coding. "Now that I've learned this, I'll stop playing games on my cell phone - I will create my own Apps through the Hour of Code website." She enthusiastically points out her speed and success in increasing levels on the website, "All it takes is some thinking! I will encourage all my friends to try this as it will close the job gap and create more jobs in the community".
During Youth Week in June 2015, 40 leaders of non-profit organisations and schools and 80 motivated youth from various high schools around Gauteng attended the launch of the Hour of Code at the Southern Sun OR Tambo in Gauteng. Attendees got to experience first-hand what the Hour of Code entails and learn how to further promote it in their communities.
The goal is to reach 10,000 youth by the end of 2015 through key partnerships and champions of the cause.
Computer science is the must-have job skill of the future, but "the South African IT industry doesn`t have a skills issue or a skills problem: it has a full-blown skills crisis. There are millions of people wanting jobs, but the shortage of IT skills is having an increasingly negative impact on business, with many companies being forced to delay introducing new products and services because of problems filling vacancies." - Insource.ICT
1. Setting up eight IT innovation labs across SA for unemployed youth
2. Training interventions and programmes in high schools for both youth and teachers
3. Launching the Hour of Code campaign to raise awareness of free training programs available to all
Launched in early 2009 as a vehicle for various highly-productive social projects, Change the World Trust is a Non - Profit Organisation passionate about long-term solutions and ripple-effect project results. By promoting the Hour of Code program, kids and youth engage in fun learning that builds logical problem-solving skills and advanced IT knowledge, which is directly related to our goals.
The Dell SA Development Fund (DDF) was created with the belief, that by improving social conditions, Dell can improve business conditions. The DDF aims to create literate and connected communities through education, supporting developing businesses and investing in the community.
To get involved or for more information, contact us on 011 4552282/az.gro.dlrowehtegnahc@nilram or visit www.changetheworld.org.za or www.fb.com/you4change
