The young minds of today will become the innovators, business leaders, and changemakers of tomorrow. Yet, how can we expect them to thrive without foundational skills being part of their education?

Introducing Elizabeth, a 16-year-old student in Junior High School. With no prior experience on a computer or the internet, she is accustomed to mimicking her teacher’s words and receiving good grades for it. Unfortunately, she has not learned to articulate her own ideas, collaborate with others, or engage in critical thinking. When faced with unfamiliar tasks, she finds it challenging to organize her thoughts. Her self-esteem is lacking, feeling as though her voice goes unheard.

Through participation in a youth coding initiative (Scratch), Elizabeth can dive into a digital landscape and create her own projects in an enjoyable manner. She discovers that effective collaboration can lead to meaningful outcomes, allowing her to express her creativity. However, her success hinges on her ability to think critically and adhere to the principles of coding.

This experience enables her to evolve and enhance her skills, gain exposure, and prepare for future employment opportunities. Perhaps she will become a digital leader in her own right? We are convinced that engaging IT education centered around coding is the perfect means to cultivate essential skills in young learners.