codeX is Preparing South African Youth for a Digital Future

But preparing for a digital future includes so much more than learning to write strings of code. It requires a critical mindset and an analytical approach to problem-solving.

Many young South Africans, especially those from under-resourced communities, wouldn’t even consider embarking on a career in technology because they don’t feel equipped for it.

Partnering to Empowering SA Youth

Project codeX has teamed up with leaders in low-bandwidth, high-engagement mobile learning, Funzi.fi, to create ground-breaking content, and with the Embassy of Lithuania in South Africa to support 100 individuals participating in a unique project to address this critical need.

codeX’s mission is to unlock South Africa’s digital talent.

In our exciting new project, Prepare for a Digital Future, we are making the thinking behind computer science accessible to all South Africans, particularly groups who are underrepresented in tech.

With more than 80% of the pilot cohort from township or rural areas, and over 58% women, we’re hitting our target market.

Off to a Great Start

Prepare for a Digital Future kicked off on 24 June. Since then, over 100 soon-to-be Tech Savvy individuals have started Phase 1 “Think Like a Coder” - and over 50% have already completed all the modules!

The programme runs over 10 weeks and no prior coding knowledge is needed, as we use plain, simple language to unpack everything from how to learn coding and rules-based logic, to abstraction, debugging, and deployment - a significant amount of content that is typically only accessible to advanced English speakers and those with strong educational backgrounds.

Fostering a learning mindset:

One of our female participants told us:

“I am really enjoying the content because I thought coding is for certain people, but I can see that I can do it.”

And another participant shared: “The Quiz is a bit challenging but good… I like the questions asked there.”

The learning programme is based on the empowering approach codeX has honed over the past decade, which fosters a learning mindset and breaks down insecurities. We are very proud of our track record. Graduates of our vocational programmes have not only gone on to promising jobs, they have told us that they feel ready to take on any future challenge because they have learned how to learn!

Creating impact where it matters

This project aims to empower young South Africans to thrive in a new, digitally-driven world. The modules are all online, so they’re accessible anywhere - all you need is an internet connection and a smartphone or computer, for about an hour a day. Thanks to the Lithuanian Embassy, we’ve even made provision for data costs, ensuring that whatever participants’ circumstances are, they can log on and get going.

Phase 2 kicks off on 15 July, where the top 70% of this cohort will become Tech Newbies, discovering basic coding terminology, and how and why each part works.

We’ll be sharing their progress as we go!