Emma Okonji
Diamond Bank, in collaboration with Code Camp Africa will train 500,000 Nigerian children on computer programming and coding within a short period of time. In preparation for objective, the organisations have already trained some of the children. The teens between the ages of seven years to 15 years, were trained over a period of five weeks on computer coding and technology development.
Showcasing the children, who benefitted from the training in Lagos recently to the delight of their parents, the Managing Director of Diamond Bank, Uzoma Dozie, expressed satisfaction over the children’s performance in coding and website design in just few weeks of intense training that was packed full with extra curriculum activities. He explained that the bank’s vision of empowering young Nigerians with the language of technology, was to equip Nigerian children with technology skills, especially those that have developed interest in computing.
“The future of almost everything nowadays is technology and will depend on the ability to use technology. The Western world is outsourcing jobs to India because of this ability to write code. It is paramount that we develop in this area of development,” Dozie said.
“In 10 years’ time, the kids can work in Nigeria and across the world. It is critical that we equip them with the ability to code and understand the language of technology,” he added.
Code Camp Africa promoter, Mr. Edwin Momife said the vision of the organisation is to train at least 500, 000 youngsters in coding within a short period of time.
“If you learn how to code you become a global citizen. We need Nigerians to get to code and use technology to solve problems,” Momife said.
Head, Retail Banking Businesses, Diamond Bank, Mr. Robert Giles said the bank was motivated to partner Code Camp Africa in training the children because it became interested in developing Nigerian children digitally, being one of the foremost banks in Nigeria that is promoting technology development in the financial sector.
“It is important to develop Nigerian children technologically when they are still young and when they grow with technology skills, they will become stars in computer coding and other areas of computing. With technology skills, they could develop technology solutions that will address the needs of Nigerians,” Giles said.
The technology skills they acquire over the years will help generate employment in the future and also develop the society. The children will grow to become future employers of labour and create initiative that will enhance development,” Giles added.
“We will be working with the youth team of our bank to continue supporting the children in technology development. It is pleasing to see children develop codes and create websites and we wish they grow up with the skills,” Giles added.
Diamond Bank collaborated with Code Camp Africa and programming firm Andela Limited to deliver the five-week programme that equipped about 25 youngsters with knowledge and skills in various computer languages.
Some of the children spoke of their thrilling experiences in learning various computer programming languages, from JavaScript through Python and Scratch, among others. Daniel Abass, a participant, attested that he could now make his websites while Judex Umorgu and others displayed various websites and applications.
One of the apps uses geo-location to enable parents to track the movement of their children and teachers, while others showed apps for games, cars and other hobbies.
Awards of recognition were given to four participants for innovative idea, good behaviour, best design and best programmer, during the camping period.
