Vodacom set to teach over 500 young South African girls to code
In a bid to narrow the gender digital divide at an early age in South Africa, Vodacom has revealed plans to offer over 500 school-going female learners from across eight provinces in South Africa the opportunity to learn how to code from 24 June to 05 July 2019.
During the week-long training course, learners will be exposed to basic knowledge of computer languages and development program including HTML, CSS, GitHub and Version control, Bootstrap, JavaScript and Basic Computer and Introduction to Coding.
In addition, the girls will also be taken on a fun and empowering life skills journey while developing coding, presentation and communication skills to provide candidates with well-rounded development.
The program was themed ‘Code like a Girl’.
The program which aims to develop coding skills and valuable life skills for girls aged between 14-18 years also encourages them to consider the uptake of ICT and STEM subjects.
Influential mentors are provided to inspire the girls to be passionate about technology and its possibilities. This program was implemented in South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania, DRC and Lesotho with over 755 young girls trained in 2019.
Quoting the Chief Officer, Corporate Affairs at Vodacom, Takalani Netshitenzhe,
“In recent years, there has been significant progress in closing the global gender gap in various aspects of society. However, in many countries, including South Africa, the gap is widening in STEM careers.
The Code Like A Girl program is designed to give girls interest in a sector currently more popular with boys, helping widen their opportunities and increase their future career choices.”
“For Vodacom, teaching girls how to code is the first step towards changing their outlook towards careers in STEM fields. Through this, we hope to inspire young girls to reach for the stars and pursue careers that will take Vodacom and related industries into the next digital era.”
At the end of the week, each girl will know how to develop her own website and present her work to the rest of the coding class.
