Coding success: how a mobile coding truck is empowering girls in Ethiopia
“Seeing a female trainer among the teachers inspired me the most. In a field dominated by men, she stood as a rare and remarkable example of a woman in tech.” (Photo courtesy of Ekram)
Meet DigiTruck Ethiopia — the refurbished, moveable classroom making coding more accessible to girls across the country. For Ekram, a student in the programme, this refurbished, moveable classroom has made coding — and the mentors she’s met through it — a lifeline for her.
When you think of a truck, you probably wouldn't imagine it as a life-changing force. However, prepare to be amazed by the extraordinary capabilities of this particular truck. DigiTruck Ethiopia, embarks to spark STEM interest in young girls, by venturing to the most underprivileged and remote regions of Ethiopia.
Run by solar power and equipped with computers, microcontrollers, and other robotic equipment, and has internet access, this mobile truck is bringing digital skills training and tech education to underprivileged girls in remote areas who would otherwise not have access to these opportunities. The project has reached over 600 girls in seven cities so far, providing girls with access — not only to STEAM instruction — but to female role models too. DigiTruck Ethiopia inspires students to write their "first line of code" in the simplest and most enjoyable way possible.
Photo courtesy of Digitruck Ethiopia.
As female coding educators, we noticed the cultural barriers and gender stereotypes that stood in the way of young girls wishing to pursue a future in STEM. It was disheartening to see that many young girls couldn't envision themselves in STEM simply because they perceived it as a male-dominated field.
We have faced many challenges in gaining the credentials and respect of the community while teaching young minds how to code and create digital solutions. We’ve encountered gender bias, societal pressure and obstacles that made me realize how hard it is for young girls who are trying to gain an education. Despite these challenges, we observed that the girls we were able to reach were very enthusiastic about learning to code.
One of our students was a living example. She became a coding instructor and caught onto lessons easily. Now, imagine if more girls got the opportunity to prove themselves.
“In a field dominated by men, she stood as a rare and remarkable example of a woman in tech. The program empowered me and many other young girls to learn coding and programming skills, despite the challenges and stereotypes that we faced.”
Before joining this program, I had no knowledge or experience in coding and programming. It was hard to learn these skills in Ethiopia since they were not taught in schools or other environments. The teachers were very skilled, humble, and patient. They always paid attention to us and answered any questions that we had. They also encouraged and motivated us to overcome our difficulties and learn at our own pace.
Seeing a female trainer among the teachers inspired me the most. In a field dominated by men, she stood as a rare and remarkable example of a woman in tech. The program empowered me and many other young girls to learn coding and programming skills, despite the challenges and stereotypes that we faced. As young women, we experienced gender bias from society and peers who doubted our abilities. In school science competitions, male students mocked me and other girls, saying we were unfit to compete. Witnessing a woman succeed in the tech field boosted my confidence and motivation to do more.
“It has opened my eyes to a world of possibilities and ignited a passion within me to go deeper into the realm of technology. ”
I appreciate that the program travels to different areas of the country, reaching out to those who would otherwise not have access to such opportunities. DigiTruck Ethiopia is making a difference in each trainee's life, and I am one witness to that. I hope it continues and expands, enabling more young people to benefit from it. It has been a transformative experience for me, unveiling the potential of a career in STEM education. It has opened my eyes to a world of possibilities and ignited a passion within me to go deeper into the realm of technology. Since my encounter with DigiTruck Ethiopia, I have actively sought out technology-related training and participated in science and tech competitions.
Despite the limitations imposed by the educational system here, which often determines the field of study for students, I have taken the initiative to study Geographic Information System (GIS) in university. This field combines my love for technology with my interest in geography, enabling me to gain highly sought-after skills in data analysis, mapping, and spatial analysis.
DigiTruck Ethiopia has provided me with the confidence and inspiration to pursue my dreams in a STEM education. The program has been a catalyst for my personal growth and has empowered me to strive for excellence in the field of technology. I am deeply grateful for the doors that have opened for me and excited for the journey that lies ahead as I continue to explore and unlock my full potential in the STEM field. My time in the program will always be cherished as one of the best experiences of my life.
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