Code Like a Girl is an initiative by Vodacom aimed at empowering young girls with essential coding skills and knowledge in the technology field. The programme provides an intensive, hands-on learning experience where participants are introduced to various programming languages and the latest technologies, such as artificial intelligence and augmented reality. Through this initiative, Vodacom seeks to bridge the gender gap in STEM fields by fostering a supportive environment that encourages young women to pursue careers in technology and innovation.
In this article, we feature interviews with three enthusiastic participants from Eqinisweni Secondary School: Uhone Mphephu, Shongile Manganyi, and Mpho Masindi. These young learners share their motivations, experiences, and aspirations following their participation in the Code Like a Girl boot camp, shedding light on the profound impact of the programme on their academic and personal growth.
Uhone Mphephu
What motivated you to join the Code Like a Girl boot camp during your school holidays?
"I was not familiar with Code Like a Girl, but my vernacular educator told me a lot about it, and that's what inspired me to join. I would say she was my initial motivation.
My second motivation to join 'Code Like A Girl' was wanting to learn new skills and challenge myself in a supportive environment. I've always been interested in technology and innovation, which was the main reason why I chose Computer Science as a subject, and I saw this boot camp as an opportunity to gain practical experience and make connections in the industry. Additionally, I was inspired by the programme's mission to empower girls and women in tech, and I wanted to be part of a community that shares my values and passions."
How did your perception of coding change from the start of the boot camp to the end?
"At the start of the boot camp, I felt intimidated by coding because of its complex syntax and logic. But as I progressed, I gained confidence in my understanding of the concepts and theories behind coding. Although I didn't get to do any hands-on projects, I realised that coding is like solving puzzles and breaking down complex problems into smaller steps. By the end of the boot camp, I had a deeper understanding of the theoretical aspects of coding and its applications in the real world. I also saw the value of coding skills in the job market and how it can be applied across various industries. Overall, my perception of coding changed from intimidation to appreciation and understanding of its theoretical foundations."
What coding languages or technologies did you learn during the boot camp?
"In the boot camp, I got a solid introduction to programming and learned about different programming languages like JavaScript. But what really excited me was learning about the latest technologies like Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality, Quantum Computing, Edge Computing and more.
I think it's so cool that we can create machines that can think and learn for themselves, or make apps that can bring digital stuff into the real world. It's amazing to think about all the possibilities. I feel like I got a glimpse of what the future of tech will be like and I'm super excited to learn more. As a Computer Science student, I'm looking forward to learning more about this stuff and figuring out how I can use it to create new and innovative things."
What was your favourite part of the boot camp and why?
"My favourite part of the boot camp was definitely learning about programming and binary codes. I found it so cool how just two numbers, 0 and 1, can be used to create entire programs and software. It was a bit tricky at first, but once I got the hang of it, I really enjoyed it. We did lots of group activities, which helped me understand the concepts better. And I loved working with my friends to solve problems and complete tasks. It was such a great feeling when we finally figured something out! By the end of it, I was actually surprised by how much I had learned and how much I enjoyed it. It's definitely something I want to learn more about in the future."
How do you think coding can make a difference in your community or school?
"Coding can make a big difference in our school and community. It helps us solve problems and create new things, like apps and websites. We can use coding to help our community, like making a website to help a local charity or creating a game to teach people about important issues. Technology can be a powerful tool to spread awareness about important issues, like educating people about the LGBTQI+ community. Many people still don't understand or know much about it, so using tech to share information and resources can really help promote acceptance and inclusivity. It can also help us get good jobs in the future, in fields like technology and engineering. Coding can bring people together, too, and make sure everyone has access to technology, regardless of their background or skills. It's a powerful tool that can help us make a positive change and improve our world."
Shongile Manganyi
What motivated you to join the Code Like a Girl boot camp during your school holidays?
"What motivated me is that I got a chance to learn about IT and for free during my school holidays, so I was not going to have any pressure. Also, I'm so interested in IT, and I've been planning to do it after my Grade 12."
How did your perception of coding change from the start of the boot camp to the end?
"From the start, it felt a little bit complicated, but in the end, I was so sure about everything and that everything was easy. It only needed your time and commitment."
What coding languages or technologies did you learn during the boot camp?
"Coding techniques that I've learned are information about computers, computer and mobile systems, input and output, computer management and maintenance, SOHO network and more."
What was your favourite part of the boot camp and why?
"Input and output and computer management and maintenance. This part was my favourite because in my everyday life I use computers and they give me problems, but today I have a skill of how to deal with it... I also know that each and every device that uses a computer has an input and the output."
How do you think coding can make a difference in your community or school?
"I think coding can change my community because if we have more knowledge about computers, we wouldn't struggle with anything, and there would be more workers and more literacy rates."
Mpho Masindi
What motivated you to join the Code Like a Girl boot camp during your school holidays?
"Curiosity. The thought of trying new things fills me with a mix of emotions - excitement. I wanted to gain experience in coding and software development. What caught my attention the most was the fact that the programme focuses on empowering girls and women in STEM fields."
How did your perception of coding change from the start of the boot camp to the end?
"At the start of the boot camp, I perceived coding as a complex and intimidating field that only a few could understand. I thought it required a natural talent. However, as I progressed through the boot camp, my perception of coding completely shifted. I began to see coding as a skill that can be learned with dedication and persistence."
What coding languages or technologies did you learn during the boot camp?
"The coding language that I learned was Python. It is a language that is used for various purposes such as web development, artificial intelligence, etc. And also the basics of binary. Binary is a numeral system that uses only two symbols, typically represented as 0 and 1."
What was your favourite part of the boot camp and why?
"My favourite part of the boot camp was when we got rewarded for answering questions. It was such a thrill to be recognised for our hard work and understanding of the material. I loved how the reward system boosted our learning experience, making it feel like a fun competition among our peers."
How do you think coding can make a difference in your community or school?
"Code can be used to create solutions for local issues, and it can improve learning experiences, making them more interactive and engaging. Code can also inspire creativity, encouraging students to develop innovative ideas that could benefit their community."
The Code Like a Girl programme has proven to be a transformative experience for Uhone Mphephu, Shongile Manganyi, and Mpho Masindi. Through their participation, these young women have not only gained valuable technical skills but also developed a deeper appreciation for the power of coding and technology. As they continue their educational journeys, they are now better equipped to contribute positively to their communities and pursue careers in STEM fields. Vodacom's initiative is a testament to the importance of empowering the next generation of female technologists, fostering a future where diversity and innovation thrive.
Find out more about the Vodacom Code Like a Girl initiative here.
