Lagos, Nigeria, June 1, 2024 – Over 50 teenagers, aged 10-17, have successfully graduated from the Coding School organized by ThinkYoung and Boeing in Lagos, Nigeria. From May 29 to June 1, the young participants were equipped with advanced digital skills essential for future careers.
During the program in Lagos, participants spent over 30 hours learning computer programming, web design, robotics, and drones. The complimentary classes were led by experienced tech and aviation professionals, who also focused on teaching soft skills, including presentation and communication.
Adeyeye Boluwatife, a 16-year-old Coding School alumna from Nigeria, shared: “I enjoyed the hands-on project to create a website and got excited about developing STEM skills.”
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, information and communications technology (ICT) contributed 16% to Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP) in Q4 2023. However, the lack of digital skills, awareness, and affordable access to smart devices remain significant challenges, as highlighted by Research ICT Africa’s survey in Nigeria. The Coding School aims to support Nigeria’s vision of prioritizing digital literacy and STEM programs for the younger generation, ultimately driving the country’s development.
Kuljit Ghata-Aura, president of Boeing Middle East, Türkiye, Africa, and Central Asia, said: “The significance of advanced digital skills cannot be overstated. Industries like aerospace are in dire need of tech-savvy talent. Our Coding School aligns seamlessly with Nigeria’s ambitions to develop its digital economy and empower its people, and we’re excited to expand our partnership with ThinkYoung to West Africa.”
“We are thrilled to introduce this program to Nigeria for the first time,” said Andrea Gerosa, Founder of ThinkYoung. “Young people view digital technologies as an integral part of their daily lives, which is why ThinkYoung and Boeing are committed to equipping them with the necessary ICT skills to participate in and lead the digital transformation within their communities.”
ThinkYoung and Boeing have organized Coding Schools worldwide, with a particular focus on empowering youth in Africa. Since 2019, 690 teenagers have participated in Coding Schools in Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Tanzania.
More than 60% of the Coding School participants are girls. By breaking stigmas, the program provides them with a supportive environment and early exposure to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Boeing has partnered with over 40 organizations and invested more than $22 million since 2008 to drive systemic improvements in education and economic transformation in Africa. In Nigeria, Boeing’s community projects are centered around entrepreneurship, digital literacy, and space education.
About ThinkYoung
ThinkYoung is the first think tank that focuses on young people. It was founded in 2009 and has expanded to have offices in Brussels, Geneva, Hong Kong, and Nairobi. It is a non-profit organization, with the aim of making the world a better place for young people. ThinkYoung conducts studies and surveys, makes advocacy campaigns, writes policy proposals, and develops education programs. ThinkYoung programs have reached over 800,000 young people. More details: www.thinkyoung.eu
About Boeing
As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. The company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future and living the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity. Boeing’s heritage in Africa dates back 75 years. With more than 60 airline customers operating about 500 Boeing airplanes in Africa, Boeing represents 70% of the airplane market currently in service across the continent. More details: www.boeing.com.