The Minister of Youth and ICT, Jean Philbert Nsengimana has said that building computer programs will be the foundation of knowledge for the youth in the future based on the fast growth of technology in Rwanda and Worldwide.
Nsengimana made the remark yesterday in a ceremony of launching Africa Code Week at Kigali Serena Hotel.
“For now, literacy should go beyond reading, writing and using computers. The foundation of knowledge for the future should be based on making computer programs,” he said.
He said that teaching children on making computer programs at an early age build their critical thinking, helping them to make innovations in addressing some societal problems.
Throughout the ACW, children and youth aged between 8 and 24 from 30 African countries will attend free trainings on making various computer programs including games, problems and answers among others.
The CEO of Software Company (SAP), Pat Bakey said that they have chosen Rwanda as the host of ACW since the country understands the importance of technology in the promotion of a knowledge-based economy.
“We have preferred to launch this activity in Rwanda since the country was ready in terms of infrastructures, demonstrated willingness last year and, besides, its good leadership understands the importance of technology towards national development,” he said.
Bakey said that they target sustainable improvement of Africans’ lives through technology.
“Technology transforms a lot in people’s lives.When you want durable reforms, you have to train people. That is why we have organized this activity of teaching children to make computer programs,” he noted.
Bakey said that it will be marvelous to see Rwandan youth among makers of computer programs.
Teaching children to make computer programs will start from 15th to 23rd May, 2016 where 150,000 are expected to benefit from such courses.
Last year 89,000 youth from 17 countries benefited from such courses of making computer programs.
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