Innovation is the key to progress, and STEAM education provides the foundation for innovative thinking. Aware of this, last month, the DIA Senior Program Officer of the Trust for the Americas, Rodrigo Iriani, visited Belize to advance further the implementation of the \”Code Caribbean\” project. This initiative is unique in its methodology, which includes a pilot program that will train a pool of teachers in the education system in computer science to then expand essential technical skills in primary and secondary schools to enhance the future employability and readiness for continued education of youth aged 11-13 in Barbados and Belize.
During the school visits, Rodrigo felt inspired by the teachers making the most of what they had to teach computer science to their 12 and 13 yeared old students. He reflected on the vital significance of this project to promote the development of future generations as \”Code Caribbean\” will develop more interest in technology-oriented subjects in students, motivate youth to continue with computer science education, and prepare them for tech careers.
Additionally, Rodrigo was joined by Pat Yongpradit, Academic Director of Code.org, and Namrita Melani, Network Administrator of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science, and Technology of Belize, to present the pilot project on Channel 5 Belize. They had the opportunity to give more information and details about the scope and intended impact of the project. Pat Yongpradit emphasized that the project invited its beneficiaries to \”not be a user of technology but a creator of technology.\”
The \”Code Caribbean\” project is a promising approach in primary and secondary education to address the needs of vulnerable youth. By creating deeper ties between the Ministries of Education and the private sector, the project ensures that chosen areas align with job opportunities, providing students with the tools and skills they need to succeed in today\’s technology-advanced world.
For more information on the \”Code Caribbean\” project, please visit the Trust for the Americas website. You can also listen to the full interview here to gain a better understanding of the project\’s scope and learn about the importance of coding for developing countries.
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