BorderlessTek, a UK-based organisation led by Nigerian tech entrepreneur Wale Atekoja, has unveiled the Kids Coding Partnership. This is an attempt to address the digital divide and empower underprivileged children.

This initiative, as contained in a statement signed by Atekoja on Monday, aims to provide free coding and software development skills to schoolchildren in underserved communities in Lagos.

The program targets public Junior and Senior Secondary School students in areas like Ikorodu and Yaba, offering a three-month curriculum focused on practical, hands-on learning. Skills to be taught range from basic programming to animation and mobile app creation.

Atekoja emphasised the program’s focus on reaching those often excluded from tech education.

Wale Atekoja (in the centre) explaining a point during coding and digital economy discussion.
He said, “We’ve been teaching Black kids in Europe how to code, but what about those back home?.

“We’re not targeting the privileged. We’re starting with the forgotten — the children who have never touched a laptop.”
BorderlessTek is collaborating with strategic partners such as Yesding, for education facilitation; Proline, for internet infrastructure and Akowe App, for credential verification. Akowe will provide digitally secured and internationally recognised certificates to the students.

Atekoja sees this initiative as crucial for breaking cycles of exclusion and enabling young Nigerians to participate in the growing digital economy.

“I know what it’s like to be capable but invisible,” he said. “That’s why we’re building a new table — not waiting for a seat at someone else’s”, Atekoja stated.

The program seeks to equip students with skills and provide a pathway to further education, internships, and scholarships. Atekoja is also calling on wider support from corporate bodies, public servants, NGOs, and individuals.

“We’ve opened the doors,” Atekoja added. “But we need others to help keep them open”, he said.

The Kids Coding Partnership aims to provide a digital lifeline for Nigerian youth, offering them a chance to actively shape their future in the technology-driven world.



https://punchng.com/firm-offers-free-coding-skills-to-lagos-schoolchildren/