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Free coder training attracts huge interest

Johannesburg - Fin24 users have expressed support for a free two-year programme that plans to teach South Africans how to code.

The computer training project dubbed WeThinkCode_ is set to kick off in Braamfontein, Johannesburg in 2016.

Students of WeThinkCode_ can have any education level. However, spaces are limited for the programme and applicants need too pass an aptitude test to have their studies sponsored and paid for by corporate organisations at a cost of R100 000 per student.

The courses, which range from major software engineering subjects such as C++ to e-commerce, kick off in 2016 with applications open this year.

Fin24 published an article about the project last week and users have since responded with their support and interest in the initiative.

Fin24 user Moeketsi Mokhatla expressed his support for the project by also including a line of code in his comment...

“I think this is not just a project to many out there, this is a dream come true opportunity to change their lifestyle and build a better country. We thank you for choosing us here at: { System.println(‘SOUTH AFRICA’); } May GOD bless you and this project to succeed.”

Fin24 user Moss Letsika also said the initiative is a good idea:

“I think the course would be a great opportunity to Africa as a whole, hence there are a lot of young stars/youth with many talents and dreams to change the world and lighten up their future including me. And I also reckon that this course will change a lot of things as we look more on how technology is already making amends each and everyday in our lives.”

Fin24 user Rodney, though, said the aptitude test involved with the project risks excluding a number of people. WeThinkCode_ told Fin24 that applicants would have to complete an aptitude test in the form of an online game to be up for selection.

“The devil is in the detail. The project is commendable but the aptitude referred to is a basic grasp of maths and the logic that goes with it and this seems in short supply. Coding is like a game of chess and one may know the mechanical rules but these rules have to be applied to the diverse  requirements of  the academic and business world. Having said this I wish the project every success.”

Fin24 user Noluthando said the WeThinkCode_ concept is a positive one for South Africa but that the age restriction of 17 to 35 is limiting. “Hello, I think it’s a great idea. It’s what i am looking for this moment but when I look at the age restriction criteria I don’t qualify so now I will have to do it by starting at a school or university. That's unfortunate on my side but go ahead guys; now I envy those younger than me. Thanks

Fin24 user Garrick is also positive about the concept.

“This is an excellent initiative. I personally think that making this accessible to individuals of any education level is the correct approach. I believe that we have created an unnecessary barrier for developers, with most companies now insisting on a degree for a software development job. This is wrong approach. There are huge opportunities to uplift communities if skilled developers can find work and we invest in this skill locally instead of feeling it's necessary to outsource to the likes of India. A degree does not provide the coding abilities. Assessing one’s aptitude is the correct approach in my view.”

Fin24 user Albert said the concept is a good option for students who are cash-strapped.

“Awesome idea! I did my A+ and N+. Later on I wanted to do coding and started looking. Also resulted in self study, but all the sites I used stopped at a point where I had to buy access, so I touched on SQL and c++. I eventually gave up and I moved my life into a more corporate direction. If this option was available back then I would have made a huge effort for this opportunity. This is a wonderful idea and I know it will mean a lot to a lot of people. The sponsorship is very nice as I had financial restrictions back then as well. Go for gold.”

And finally Fin24 user Anonymous said it is a great idea that needs to implemented in more cities.

“This is a brilliant initiative. Think how many deserving minds can be empowered. I for am going to submit an application, although I'm based in Cape Town. They should make it available throughout all major cities across South Africa.”

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