Hour of Code 2022 Concludes With Over 1000 Student Participation
Women in Tech Maldives and Dhiraagu have successfully completed this year’s Hour of Code programme which was well received by students, driving more than 1000 participants across 17 atolls of the Maldives. The Hour of Code is an annual event organized by Code.org to commemorate International Computer Science Week, which is marked worldwide during the month of December.
The sessions were initiated in the Maldives on 10th December 2022 with the final event held on 24th December 2022. Partakers were sorted into various groups depending on their age and mentors from Women in Tech Maldives, Dhiraagu and schoolteachers carried out several engaging activities to inspire students in the field of computer science and coding. Moreover, the sessions also shed light on the importance of Computer Science education in the contemporary world.
Minister of Education, Dr Aishath Ali graced the opening ceremony as the Chief guest. Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister highlighted that the skills gained in the field of computer science are not only vital for children’s future careers but also valuable in every aspect of life. She also stated that Hour of Code is a great opportunity to get the know-how of the computer science world and how it can benefit the participants.
Chief Technology & Information Officer at Dhiraagu, Mohamed Musad commented on the crucial role of computer science and coding knowledge in the currently evolving world and emphasized how coding teaches multiple useful skills such as teamwork, time management and problem-solving which would help students in whatever career path they chose.
On the occasion, Vice President of Women in Tech Maldives, Mariyam Shimanath remarked that Hour of Code is a chance for participants to try out coding and that it helps them get a variety of different skills which could be used to elevate every aspect of their lives.
Among the participants of this year’s programme were the Minister of Education, Dr Aishath Ali and the Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Technology, Aminath Shauna whom both completed the programme. The two ministers also reaffirmed their commitment to work towards developing the sector with a special focus given to coding, computer science and STEM.
‘Hour of Code’ is a great introductory programme for students of all ages to get in touch with coding and spark an interest in the field of computer science. Starting to learn computer science at an early age is the foundation for success in every field in the 21st century, which can also increase their creativity and problem-solving abilities and skills.