The Guyanese Girl Code programme, which was introduced by the Public Telecommunications Ministry in collaboration with the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) last month, has received an overwhelming response from the target audience, which is girls between the ages of 11 and 15.
Outreach Coordinator Donnella Collison
The programme, which is meant to encourage and nurture the technological strengths of adolescent girls who already show a propensity for the field, is expected to expand to accommodate more participants interested in coding.
According to Outreach Coordinator Donnella Collison of the Public Telecommunications Ministry, the programme, which initially catered for 20 girls, has received applications from more than 50 young ladies who are excited to be part of the initiative.
“Since we received so many applications, we are now looking at a way to do more sessions to expand and take in more girls who want to code.”
Guyanese Girl Code is a free 12-week pilot project that will teach girls in First to Third Form (aged 11 to 15) beginners’ coding/programming. The one requirement for entry into this starter programme is that all applicants must be proficient computer users, familiar with basic software and programmes.
Generally, coders/programmers are the innovators in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry, the technicians who create new software, applications, and websites, etc. Their work parameters are limitless. Communication technologies are employed in every industry on this planet, from fashion to heart surgery, agriculture and oceanology.
