SLT-MOBITEL, the National ICT Solutions Provider, and STEMUP Foundation continue their collaboration to empower children and unlock their potential by extending the free coding programmes from SLT-MOBITEL Training Centres in Welisara, Moratuwa, and Panadura. The free coding programme is to now also be available at Public Libraries in Colombo, Batticaloa, Kirimatiyana, Hanguranketha, and Doluwa. Further, by December 2023, SLT-MOBITEL is ambitious to expand its free coding programme to a total of 15 public libraries Island wide, in collaboration with the National Library of Sri Lanka.
The initiative of offering these free coding programmes is aligned to SLT-MOBITEL’s belief in the importance of supporting children thrive in the digital era, develop critical thinking, future proof their skills set, contributing to the technological advancement of the country.
The STEMUP Foundation, a not-for-profit organization is driving a mission to inspire and engage students to become interested in pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education.
The primary objective of this extension is to provide children with the opportunity to obtain STEM education at libraries free of charge. Notably, volunteers are also dedicating their time and knowledge as instructors for the programmes, to assist the children.
The ‘CoderDojo@SLT’ Coding is based on STEM education, emphasizing critical thinking capabilities, creativity, collaboration, and communication. Through these skill development programs; students will be encouraged to pursue their research problems and solutions from different perspectives.
These programmes are scheduled to take place monthly throughout the year, providing an opportunity for children to develop their coding skills. The programmes are an ideal opportunity for the children of the company’s employees as well.
SLT-MOBITEL invites any child between the ages 8 to 17 years to register for these programmes through http://coderdojo.lk.