Empower 100 students with vital IT skills in Ghana

With the completion of the academic year, junior high school (JHS) graduates often face a gap period before proceeding to Senior High School. This two-month period (July - August) can be both an opportunity and a challenge. To keep these students engaged, we organized a coding training using p5.js and a career workshop at Sunbeam International School. The aim was to equip the students with valuable skills and knowledge, ensuring they remain active and productive during their break.

The curriculum focused on;

• Basic concepts of programming 
• Introduction to p5.js environment and syntax
• Basic shapes (circles, rectangles, lines).
• Colors and design elements
• Introduction to interaction (mouse and keyboard inputs).
• Students worked on individual or group projects, such as designing a digital poster or creating an interactive game.
• Emphasis on creativity and problem-solving.

Career Workshop: The career workshop was designed to provide students with a broad understanding of various career paths and the skills needed to pursue them. 

• Overview of different career paths (STEM, arts, business, vocational careers).
• information on high school programs, vocational training, and alternative education routes.
• Guidance on selecting subjects and extracurricular activities aligned with career interests.
• Resume writing and interview preparation.

Outcomes:

• Students showed a heightened interest in technology and programming, with many expressing a desire to continue learning.
• Through coding exercises and projects, students developed their problem-solving and logical thinking abilities.
• The use of p5.js allowed students to express their creativity through coding, resulting in unique and personalized projects.
• Students gained a clearer understanding of their interests and the educational paths that align with their desired careers.
• The workshop helped students develop essential soft skills that will benefit them in their future academic and professional lives.

These initiatives have kept the students actively engaged, preventing academic stagnation during their break and preparing them for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Links:

• Grow Ghana Coding program