In December 2024, sixty teenagers in Ekiti State gathered for a one-week intensive bootcamp designed to blend technology and critical thinking. The program combined coding lessons in Scratch programming with structured chess training, creating a unique learning experience that strengthened both technical and problem-solving skills.
Coding Meets Creativity
Scratch, a beginner-friendly programming language, provided the perfect platform for students to bring their imaginations to life. Over the week, participants learned how to design animations and build simple games. For many, it was their first time writing code—and the joy of seeing their projects come alive on screen was unforgettable.
The program wasn’t just about teaching syntax or dragging blocks in Scratch; it was about showing these teenagers that they could create, innovate, and solve problems with technology.
Chess for Sharp Minds
In addition to coding, every participant was trained in chess. Inspired by the story of Queen of Katwe, we used chess as a tool to boost critical thinking, patience, and strategy. Chess competitions were held throughout the week, with students placed in league tables and ranked according to their performance.
This dual approach—coding and chess—ensures that participants not only gain technical know-how but also sharpen the mental skills needed to thrive in any environment.
Celebrating Excellence
To recognize and reward outstanding performance, we designed and awarded 10 medals across different categories:
- Excellence in coding
- Excellence in chess
- Best behaved
- Most punctual
- And other recognitions for diligence and creativity
These medals were more than just prizes; they were symbols of achievement, encouragement, and the belief that hard work pays off.
Beyond the Bootcamp
This is not the end of the journey for these sixty young learners. Our team plans to work closely with them in 2025, helping them hone their newly acquired coding skills while also enrolling them in chess competitions to sharpen their competitive edge.
By combining tech education with intellectual growth, we aim to prepare a generation of well-rounded, resilient, and innovative young people who can make their mark both locally and globally.
Why It Matters
Every coding bootcamp is more than just a class; it’s an investment in the future. In Nigeria, where millions of young people lack access to digital skills training, programs like this create pathways to opportunity, employment, and innovation.
The December 2024 bootcamp proved once again that with the right guidance and resources, young people from underserved communities can rise to the challenge, showcase their talent, and dream bigger than ever before.
