• Vodacom SA launches the next instalment of the #CodeLikeAGirl programme.
  
• It is taking place between the 3rd and 7th of October 2022.
• Girls between 14 – 18 years from underprivileged backgrounds can stand a chance to get important ICT and STEM training.

*NOTE: A previous version of this story made mention of Microsoft South Africa which is no longer involved with the project.

Vodacom South Africa (SA) has announced the next instalment of its #CodeLikeAGirl programme to be held from the 3rd to 7th October 2022.

The #CodeLikeAGirl programme will take place in the Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga and Gauteng provinces and is aimed at spurring more girls to pursue careers that require coding skills. Opening the door to more possibilities through fields in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Girls between the ages of 14 to 18 who sign up for the programme will take part in a week-long training course to develop not only coding skills but also valuable life skills, Vodacom says.

During the course, pupils will be exposed to knowledge of computer languages, robotics and development programmes including Basic Computer, and others.

They will also be taken on a “fun and empowering life skills journey” while developing coding, presentation, and communication skills. At the end of the week, each participant is expected to know how to develop her own gaming app around critical topics such as global warming. They will then present their work to the rest of the coding class.

Vodacom says that female participation is lagging in STEM fields in most countries. A recent report by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco), titled Cracking the code: Girls’ and women’s education in STEM indicated only 35 percent of STEM students in higher education globally are women.

Young women also comprise only 25 percent of students in engineering or information and communication technology (ICT).

“Industry-supported initiatives like #CodeLikeAGirl serve an important purpose in nurturing girls’ confidence in STEM, exposing them to women who are working in technology and empowering them through education and coding skills,” says Njabulo Mashigo, human resources director for Vodacom SA.

The #CodeLikeAGirl programme was first implemented in South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania, DRC and Lesotho in 2017. In SA alone, since the programme was launched, Vodacom has trained over 4 000 girls. It had its biggest intake in 2021, with over 1 000 pupils from eight provinces taking part.

“By connecting more girls through #CodeLikeaGirl, we are helping to build a more digital, inclusive, sustainable future on this continent,” concludes Mashigo.

[Image – CC 0 Pixabay]

Original Story:

Vodacom South Africa (SA) has announced the next instalment of its #CodeLikeAGirl programme to be held from the 3rd to 7th October 2022. This time the telecom says it has tapped tech giant Microsoft SA as a new board sponsor for the programme to the tune of $40 000.

Microsoft’s investment will seek to bring more school-aged girls to the programme who come from underprivileged backgrounds.

The #CodeLikeAGirl programme will take place in the Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga and Gauteng provinces and is aimed at spurring more girls to pursue careers that require coding skills. Opening the door to more possibilities through fields in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Girls between the ages of 14 to 18 who sign up for the programme will take part in a week-long training course to develop not only coding skills but also valuable life skills, Vodacom says.

During the course, pupils will be exposed to knowledge of computer languages, robotics and development programmes including Basic Computer, and Introduction to Coding JavaScript and Python using the Microsoft MakeCode platform.

They will also be taken on a “fun and empowering life skills journey” while developing coding, presentation, and communication skills. At the end of the week, each participant is expected to know how to develop her own gaming app around critical topics such as global warming. They will then present their work to the rest of the coding class.

“#CodeLikeAGirl provides girls with the confidence, tools, knowledge and support to enter and thrive in the world of coding,” says Martin Ndlovu, skills programme manager, Microsoft Africa Transformation Office.

Vodacom says that female participation is lagging in STEM fields in most countries. A recent report by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco), titled Cracking the code: Girls’ and women’s education in STEM indicated only 35 percent of STEM students in higher education globally are women.

Young women also comprise only 25 percent of students in engineering or information and communication technology (ICT).

“Industry-supported initiatives like #CodeLikeAGirl serve an important purpose in nurturing girls’ confidence in STEM, exposing them to women who are working in technology and empowering them through education and coding skills,” says Njabulo Mashigo, human resources director for Vodacom SA.

“By partnering with Microsoft South Africa, we aim to further increase representation in the technology sector, as more girls will be able to benefit from the life-changing programme.”

The #CodeLikeAGirl programme was first implemented in South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania, DRC and Lesotho in 2017. In SA alone, since the programme was launched, Vodacom has trained over 4 000 girls. It had its biggest intake in 2021, with over 1 000 pupils from eight provinces taking part.

“By connecting more girls through #CodeLikeaGirl, we are helping to build a more digital, inclusive, sustainable future on this continent,” concludes Mashigo.