3Kilo Learn to Code: is a coding bootcamp program run in partnership with the violence prevention organisation, VPUU, to create a unique opportunity for the local residents of Villiersdorp.
Villiersdporp is a vibrant farming community that offers various socio-economic opportunities. As an agricultural town, there is a high number of seasonal labourers which adds to the growth of informal settlements and unemployment.
The aim of this project was to provide an opportunity for the youth in Villersdorp to learn a new language, Coding. Coding also loosely known as computer programming has quickly become one of the most desirable skills across all industries and around the world. In the industry we frequently hear the phrase that “Everyone should learn to code” and this is besides only the technical components, it also teaches you how to think and it teaches you how to solve problems which becomes critical skills in any working environment.
Recent reports found that there were as many as 7 million job openings in 2016 in occupations that required coding skills. They also found that programming jobs overall are growing 12% faster than the market average.
Learning coding empowers individuals to do many things they wouldn’t otherwise be able to do. These things include hand-crafting your own websites, becoming a career coder or even starting a technology business. Most importantly, you’ll be able to understand the technology shaping your world. You’ll improve how you approach and solve problems. You’ll strengthen your logical reasoning skills and learn to unleash your creativity.
VPUUs local economic development department focuses on reviving the economic status in the community by focussing on skills development.
The project focused on two groups, grade 10 – 12 learners who are exiting the schooling system and unemployed youth aged between 18 to 35. The course was a basic introduction into coding/computer programming which is HTML, CSS and jQuery.
Our mission is to make skills like these more attainable to communities that are denied the opportunities.