Vodacom will be running a hybrid coding boot camp as part of its #CodeLikeaGirl programme for young women between 14 and years old. It will take place from 2-6 October 2023 both online and on-site from 9am to 2pm.

The on-site training will be hosted at Vodacom’s School of Excellence at 19 locations located in all 9 provinces, while the virtual boot camp will allow for participation online from anywhere in SA using a laptop and connectivity. It is open to learners who meet the criteria.

In a media release, Vodacom said the five-day boot camp will expose young girls to coding, robotics and other ICT development programmes, nurturing their confidence in digital learning and skills and opening the possibility to pursue STEM further. There is also a life skills component, with female mentors available to share their experiences of working in STEM and serve as visible role models.

Njabulo Mashigo, Human Resources Director of Vodacom South Africa says: “With our 2023 hybrid instalment of this critical initiative, we are driving access to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) for more girls and addressing the severe gender gap in these fields. Through #CodeLikeaGirl, we are empowering young women with valuable coding and other life skills to equip them for jobs of the future and ensure diversity in STEM.”

Since the launch of Vodacom’s #CodeLikeaGirl in 2017, more than 4 000 girls aged 14-18 years have benefitted from the programme, which has expanded from South Africa to Mozambique, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Lesotho.

“At Vodacom, we want to #ShowUpforHer by actively breaking barriers to gender inequality. The success of #CodeLikeaGirl is testament to the need to increase representation as we aim to build a digitally inclusive society,” concludes Mashigo.

To apply for #CodeLikeaGirl, follow this link: https://www.vodacom.com/code-like-a-girl.php