215 youths complete ‘ICT Code Camp’ for 2019

─ more than 30 completed camp in Region 4

DPI, Guyana, Saturday, August 10, 2019.

The Ministry of Public Telecommunications is strengthening the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector in Guyana. One of its methods is the hosting of coding camps for youths across the country.

More than 30 children between the ages of 8 to 15 years old, completed a six-month  ICT Code Camp facilitated by the ministry.

On Saturday morning, the participants accompanied by their parents and guardians attended an award ceremony held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).

In her address to the gathering, Minister of Public Telecommunications, Hon. Catherine Hughes noted that the ‘Code Camp’ project will shape youths to better understand technology and prepare them for the future, as Guyana will be transformed technologically.

“The government aims to ensure that everyone is exposed to technology and its positive effects on the world today and all the programmes offered are free of cost,” she said.

Minister of Public Telecommunications, Hon. Catherine Hughes addressing the graduates of the Region 4, ICT Coding Camp

The Code Camp graduates and their parents at the certificate ceremony held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC)

Code Camp 2019, Instructor, Nasoya Champman presenting a graduate with her certificate

Code Camp, Instructor, Munifa Erskin, presenting a graduate with his certificate

According to the minister, thus far for the year, 215 youths have completed the programme.

“On Friday, a team in Linden completed the programme and on Thursday, there was another graduation ceremony held in New Amsterdam, Region 6,” she reported.

Minister Hughes reiterated the Coalition government’s commitment to investing in Information Technology; particularly since the budding oil and gas sector will expose Guyana’s youths to new job sectors where technological knowledge is vital.

“By 2020, there will be more than 100 government services online for the people of Guyana, such as applying for a passport, TIN Certificate, paying taxes and much more. Our country will change and its people must change with it. That is why we are targeting the youths and working with them so that they are prepared,” Minister Hughes explained.

The camp’s curriculum was included intermediate-level training modules in coding, programming, web design and robotics. Digital tablets were also presented to those participants who performed exceptionally well and all participants received a certificate for their involvement.