Opening the doors to skills and education
THE lives of five young Zululanders took an unexpected turn for the better in May this year.
Armed only with basic Microsoft knowledge learnt on a two-week computer course in 2016, they agreed to sign up for a two-month computer programming course at ‘I Learn to Live – Ngifundela Ukuphila’, a non-profit skills and education centre based outside Empangeni.
Facilitated by Alan Martin, the youth wrapped their heads around coding basics, such as HTML, PHP and CSS styling.
Through a partnership with Hyperion Development, an online programming portal, the five youths and facilitator Ngcebo Mdletshe, started with an Intro to Computer Programming course.
Students were required to take charge of their own learning with an online mentor guiding them. Martin visited the centre once a week for face-to-face mentoring.
The course began with ‘pseudocode’, which helps programmers to understand the steps involved when trying to find a solution to a challenge, before they try to write it in programme languages.
They then began the gruelling task of learning Python, a general-purpose programming language.
Diligence
As second language English speakers, the material was tough to grasp, but the students persevered and worked as a team to ensure everyone progressed.
This month they complete a onemonth JavaScript course, and will tackle Node.js and Electron next year.
‘Through our relationship with Empangeni NPO, PRO SA, three of the students began a learnership in Business Practice (NQF 1), facilitated by Skill Up Training Centre,’ said Ashling McCarthy, Director at I Learn to Live - Ngifundela Ukuphila
‘We are constantly looking for opportunities for both skills development and work experience to boost our coders’ chances of finding employment in the future.
‘Not only have they learnt new programming languages and opened themselves up to new career opportunities, but they are also sharing their new skill set with school children in our after-school programme.
‘We have Grade 5-7 children learning coding via Scratch, and animating their own drawings.
‘The intention of teaching rural youth computer programming is not only about producing coders, but also about the skills that youth learn from the process - creative thinking, problem solving and developing patience and perseverance.
‘Denying rural children the opportunity to learn tech languages, we continue to lock them out of opportunities to engage in the economy of the future.’
Anyone interested in supporting this project can contact Ashling on 072 432 0316 or ash@ilearntolive. co.za.
Minds were altered, horizons stretched and confidence soared! - Ashling McCarthy