Tech-savvy generation to solve Africa’s problems

In order to survive in today’s fast-paced and competitive world, one needs to embrace information and communications technology.
It is for this reason that The TOD Idea, through TechKids Uganda, has continued to diversify students’ creativity by introducing them to multiple computational skills.
“Computer programming will greatly improve children’s future career prospects by arming them with fundamental computer skills,” The TOD Idea team leader Shyaka Mbanda told Jobs and Career at KinderKare Elementary School, Kitante on Wednesday.
“This augurs well with governments initiatives to solve the problem of youth unemployment.”
The team, which runs after school computer programming clubs in Kampala with the intention of going countrywide in the long-term, was conducting the Hour of Code, a worldwide initiative primed to bring to the fore the need to get parents and teachers participating in drive to have more and more children writing computer programmes.
According to Mbanda, the team wants to develop a cluster of future African software developers to help solve African problems.
Parents and children joined to solve programming puzzles that help to improve thinking skills. Apps like ‘Lightbot Jr” and “Tynker” were loaded to teach programming basics on a fun and visually compelling way.
“We believe that in 10 years’ time these children will be able to produce applications used in our everyday lives and also create jobs for themselves,” the director of National I.T Association, Peter Kahiigi said.