This is pretty cool. A new incubator, aimed at creating the next generation of African innovators, has launched. Called WeThinkCode_, the digital training programme is free, uses peer-to-peer principles, and has no teachers or classrooms.
Created through a founding partnership between First National Bank, BBD Software Development and Derivco, the incubator has partnered with various companies, foundations and individuals to sponsor students as it looks to eliminate the gap in tech skills on the continent.
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According to a press release sent to Memeburn, the programme doesn’t just want to source and train Africa’s future coding talent, it also wants to create world class digital problem solvers. The two-year programme reportedly provides digital training in game design, app design, cloud computing, cryptography, artificial intelligence, web design, malware, security systems, eCommerce frameworks and more, receiving access to cutting edge technologies and world-class programmers. The curriculum is updated in real-time, as students will work together to solve relevant problems, providing them with the essential skills they need to work in tech.
Along with digital training, students will be placed in two paid internships with WeThinkCode_’s corporate sponsors, solving two key issues– employment after graduation, and meeting the high demand for digital problem solvers.
“The real revolution lies in our selection criteria that will enable us to tap into the pool of under-served youth to source Africa’s next generation of coding talent,” says WeThinkCode_ co-founder Camille Agon
As part of a different approach to education that is cognisant of the many challenges students face, and how inequality creates issues of access, transport and food costs and access to computers have also been considered.
“WeThinkCode_ is democratising education by removing barriers to access and providing opportunity to all talented youth to develop skills in the software engineering industry that can drive growth in Africa,” says fellow co-founder Arlene Mulder
Students will receive a R2 000 stipend towards food and transport costs, until their first internship – where they are payed market related salaries – and have access to their own computer at the Johannesburg CBD campus.
The programme is open to anyone between the age of 17 and 35 years old, with the proviso that they take a the requisite test before 28 March to see if they qualify. Potential students without internet or computer access, can SMS “CODE” to 43366 and access will be arranged for them. Successful candidates will qualify for an intense four-week long bootcamp to test their ability, competing for 120 spots in the fulltime course that commences in May 2016.
