KPITB Launches Early Age Programming Initiative to Empower KP Youth with Digital Skills

No doubt that the coming days are going to be digital. To succeed in global market, it is necessary that the next generation of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should have a rich foundation built on critical thinking and problem-solving skills. That’s why, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Technology Board (KPITB) as part of its digital strategy launched “Early Age Programming and IT Essentials” program in collaboration with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Elementary & Secondary Education (KPESE) in April 2017. KPITB Launches Early Age Programming Initiative to Empower KP Youth with Digital Skills.

With the help of 20 trainers, the project was launched across 60 public sector schools in 14 Districts in KP. The main purpose of this program was to provide an opportunity for the children to learn programming in a fun and immersive manner. The project focuses on empowering the youth with that digital skills of tomorrow that enables them to become producers of technology than consumers of technology. The latest cutting-edge tools created by Massachusetts Institute of Technology(MIT) such an MIT App Inventor, MIT-Scratch and Harvard’s Code.org were used to impart programming and coding skills to more than 3000 students across the province. Other tools that were used as part of this program include Styncil & Microsoft’s, Kudo.

KPITB Launches Early Age Programming Initiative to Empower KP Youth with Digital Skills

The students have managed to create hundreds of games, applications, and animations by using their imagination and the programming skills taught in this program. From converting the computer keyboard into a piano to a visual animated application of their favorite book, these kids are not only learning core analytical thinking skills but also having fun at the same time. The project was nominated as one of the most innovative initiatives in the education category by the Pakistan Innovation Forum.
To showcase the projects created by the first batch’ students of Early Age Programming, was organized by KPITB. Where 30+ students from selected government schools got a chance to showcase their applications to the public and the media. At this event trainers were also awarded certificates as a token of appreciation for the commendable services rendered in imparting these critical programming skills to school children.

To raise awareness, KPITB has launched Early Age Programming TVC:

Senior Minister Health and IT, Mr. Shahram Khan Tarakai and Secretary ST&IT were present at the event.

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