Launch Creative & Innovative Computer Coding programs for the youth by DTBI/COSTECH

DTBi-COSTECH together with the Global Partnership of the US Department of State and CoderDojo of Ireland launched the afriCoderDojo programme, the first of its kind in Africa. Based on the global open-source CoderDojo movement founded in Dublin, afriCoderDojo’s curriculum aims provide young people aged 10-20 years old with the basics of coding while having fun. Guest lecturers, local technology entrepreneurs and educators will be invited to participate in the learning program to highlight and showcase the opportunities in the field of internet technology & the first private sector partner joining the team is Technobrain Ltd. 

 Eng. George Mulamula, CEO of DTBi explains that so far 17 schools from Mbeya, Arusha, Mwanza, Moshi & Dar Es Salaam have asked to be part of this program.

The purpose is to build a community of youth who will develop creative applications and programmes with and a slant towards entrepreneurship and in the future be job creators. The objective is for these youth to be future coders who develop websites, games, computer and mobile applications, and more.

The Minister of Communication Science & Technology, Prof. Mbarawa Makame sent his remarks prior to the launch and expressed his enthusiasm for the program. He expressed that he is, “ proud to be part of an initiative that [he] believes will go a long way towards ensuring young people have the necessary computer & innovative skills, education, and drive to compete in tomorrow’s integrated marketplace.”

Students from local primary schools gathered at COSTECH and had their first session on how to program games and cartoons. 

 H.E Ambassador Fionnuala Gilsenan of Ireland congratulates the students who have joined the AfriCoderGojo program on a job well done and applauds the team on being the first CoderDojo in Africa.

 Giving his closing remarks, Permanent Secretary of Ministry for Communication, Science & Technology Prof Patrick Makungu commends DTBi, COSTECH, the Global Partnership of the US Department of State and CoderDojo of Ireland for their efforts.

Ambassador Fionnuala Gilsenan of Ireland, Permanent Secretary of Ministry for Communication, Science & Technology Prof Patrick Makungu and Director General of COSTECH Dr. Hassan Mshinda pose with one of the students.