Nigeria | ThinkYoung and Boeing developed a coding school in Lagos, Nigeria, producing over 50 successful graduates between the ages of 10 and 17.
Throughout the program, participants in Lagos committed more than 30 hours to mastering robotics, web design, computer programming, and drones. Seasoned experts from the computer and aviation industries also emphasized soft skills like communication and presentation in these free sessions.
Reflecting on her experience, Adeyeye Boluwatife, a 16-year-old Coding School alumna from Nigeria, expressed her enthusiasm: “I enjoyed the hands-on project to create a website and got excited about developing STEM skills.”
Although information and communications technology (ICT) contributed 16% of Nigeria’s GDP in Q4 2023, a survey conducted in Nigeria by Research ICT Africa highlights issues related to a lack of digital skills, awareness, and reasonably priced access to smart devices.
 To address these issues and ultimately aid in Nigeria’s growth, The Coding School supports the country’s ambition of giving STEM and digital literacy initiatives for the younger generation top priority.
Kuljit Ghata-Aura, president of Boeing Middle East, Turkey, Africa, and Central Asia, emphasized the importance of advanced digital skills: “Industries like aerospace are in dire need of tech-savvy talent. Our Coding School aligns seamlessly with Nigeria’s ambitions to develop its digital economy and empower its people, and we’re excited to expand our partnership with ThinkYoung to West Africa.”
Andrea Gerosa, Founder of ThinkYoung, expressed excitement about introducing the program to Nigeria for the first time: “Young people view digital technologies as an integral part of their daily lives, which is why ThinkYoung and Boeing are committed to equipping them with the necessary ICT skills to participate in and lead the digital transformation within their communities.”
ThinkYoung and Boeing have organized coding schools worldwide, with a focus on empowering youth in Africa. Since 2019, 690 teenagers have participated in coding schools in Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Tanzania, with more than 60% of participants being girls. By breaking stigmas, the program provides a supportive environment and early exposure to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Since 2008, Boeing has collaborated with more than 40 organizations and allocated over $22 million towards promoting systemic enhancements in education and economic development in Africa. Space education, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship are the main foci of Boeing’s community initiatives in Nigeria.The post Youth Empowerment: ThinkYoung & Boeing’s Coding School first appeared on IT News Africa | Business Technology, Telecoms and Startup News.