Classroom. Photo courtesy of Caribbean Science Foundation

The Caribbean Science Foundation has introduced the Caribbean Computer Coding Workshops (C3W) initiative in response to the growing global importance of computer programming skills and the need to strengthen the region’s digital workforce.

Organizers note that coding is increasingly becoming a core skill for entry-level employment, similar to word processing and spreadsheets, as economies shift toward knowledge-based industries.

While other developing regions are expanding training in areas such as website development, mobile applications, and machine learning, the Caribbean is still working to close existing skills gaps and improve access to ICT education.

“The Caribbean continues to lag in this race,” states the CSF.

Consequently, the group’s workshops are designed to support the development of a future-ready technology workforce, with a focus on low-income and at-risk youth, girls and young women, and persons with disabilities.

Reportedly, the programme also aims to increase the number of skilled ICT workers in the region, encourage interest in science and engineering careers, and promote greater engagement with advanced computer science studies. It further seeks to stimulate innovation and support the growth of technology-based entrepreneurship.

Overall, CSF says that C3W is intended to help prepare students for further studies in STEM disciplines and strengthen the region’s ability to compete in the global digital economy.

Anticipated Benefits of the Coding Workshops, listed by the Caribbean Science Foundation

  • A raised awareness and increased opportunities for more persons to consider science and engineering as career options
  • Better preparation of our students for university study in the STEM disciplines
  • A more appropriately trained future knowledge-based workforce – more graduates with enhanced skill sets and qualifications will obtain entry level positions in the workplace (especially at-risk youth)
  • Promotion of more technology-based entrepreneurship, and more self-employment opportunities for our youth
  • Eventual formation of more globally competitive ICT companies that could bring in more foreign exchange
  • Regional mobilization onto a path to catch up with the more developed countries in the ICT areas
  • Ignition and nurturing of the inventiveness in our youth so that the next “Google” has a reasonable probability of coming out of the Caribbean

For more information, visit the Caribbean Science Foundation website.



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