Youngsters lap up digital skills

By Sina Filifilia Seva’aetasi 30 January 2017, 12:00AM

In this day and age, it is imperative that kids are computer literate if they are looking to break in to top industries.  

Last week Digicel officially kicked off the first Coder Dojo class for 2017. CoderDojo is a programme targeted at young children to introduce them to the world of technology and show them the endless opportunities afforded in this exciting industry.  

The class is back by popular demand.  With a successful launch last year, many parents and kids are raring to enroll kids in this programme.

Coder Dojo mentor is Eugene Barker, who is an I.T. specialist who has worked with some of the best computer companies across America. 

He journeyed here in 2005 and has called Samoa his home ever since. 

With his experience in I.T., Mr. Barker is giving back to the place he calls home by helping raise a generation of computer-literate Samoans who will shape the future of Samoa in the Information Age.  

“He said this field is important because it’s a critical skill for today’s programming and being able to leverage technology is a critical skill.  It makes a huge difference in kid’s lives.  If you want them to compete and win, they better know technology.  

Today’s top leaders in all industries are leaders who know how to leverage technology.  

“Personally, I have kids and I want my kids to compete and have better grades and better scholarships and better job opportunities and better paychecks.

Mr.  Barker has been with the programme from the beginning and has seen the instantaneous  growth of these kids right before his very eyes. 

“They’re very smart and pick up so fast its incredible.  Just today, kids who’ve never been here before, were on level 7 or 8 and they just had a few minutes on the computer. “

Mr. Barker is backed by the leader of introducing  cutting edge to Samoa,  Sam Saili, Director of Skyeye. 

There is also Digicel’s Technical Engineer, Yoko Potifara, I.T. Systems Technician, Rosemary Thew, Sponsorship Director, Chloe Fa’aiuaso and Digicel Scholar , Margaret So’otaga, who have enthusiastically volunteered their time on Saturday mornings to see the programme flourish. 

Coder Dojo is an international renowned movement aimed at targeting children aged 6-12 years old.  The classes saw a handful of eager and willing participants and parents attending the first session.

By Sina Filifilia Seva’aetasi 30 January 2017, 12:00AM

Trending Stories

Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>