Kenya Embraces Coding in CBC Curriculum: Benefits, Challenges, and Success Stories.
In a groundbreaking move, Kenya formally integrated coding into its Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in 2022.
This initiative, aimed at enhancing digital literacy and equipping students with 21st-century skills, positions technology as a cornerstone of future job markets and societal development.
As the world increasingly relies on technology, coding emerges as a critical skill for the next generation. For young learners like Riley, coding is more than just programming—it’s a creative outlet.
“At first, you’re going to make a lot of mistakes… but it gets easier as you learn. It’s a unique way of playing where you make your own game and add your own twists,” he shared.
What Is Coding?
Joseph Chacha, the founder of the Som Smart Initiative, has been instrumental in bringing coding to hundreds of children in Nairobi and beyond. According to Chacha, coding is essentially “giving computers instructions that can lead to the development of software, games, or websites.”
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Children are introduced to programming languages such as Python, which is versatile and widely used, and Scratch, a visual and block-based language designed to make learning accessible for beginners.
Children as young as five to seven years old are being introduced to coding through engaging activities like creating games, which sparks their interest and creativity.
Benefits of Teaching Coding Early
For young learners, coding offers numerous advantages:
- Enhanced Creativity: Children gain the ability to think outside the box and explore endless possibilities.
- Organizational Skills: Coding instills a sense of order and structure in their approach to tasks.
- Global Competitiveness: Early exposure equips them to develop innovations that can compete on a global scale.
As Chacha puts it, coding ensures children are “at the highest level of literacy in the 21st century.”
Challenges in Implementation
Despite the promise of coding education, several challenges hinder its widespread adoption, particularly in public schools:
- Infrastructure Deficits: Many schools lack reliable electricity, with frequent blackouts disrupting learning.
- Insufficient Devices: Limited access to computers and laptops remains a significant hurdle.
- Teacher Training: A shortage of adequately trained educators complicates the rollout of the curriculum. However, efforts are underway to bridge this gap through government-supported training programs.
Balancing Technology and Well-Being
Parents have expressed concerns about excessive screen time. However, Chacha highlights that coding transforms screen time into a productive activity.
For children like Riley, a well-rounded day includes coding, traditional learning, and outdoor play, creating a balanced approach to education.
A Vision for the Future
Kenya’s embrace of coding education sets the stage for a generation of tech-savvy innovators capable of competing on a global scale.
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The goal is clear: to nurture young minds that can create globally relevant products and solutions. As the digital age advances, equipping children with coding skills ensures they remain at the forefront of literacy and innovation.
This bold step in integrating coding into Kenya’s curriculum underscores the nation’s commitment to preparing its youth for a technology-driven future.
Kenya Embraces Coding in CBC Curriculum: Benefits, Challenges, and Success Stories.
