AltSchool Africa has announced the launch of a new online tech training program tailored specifically for teenagers, aiming to ignite creativity, technical capacity, and career exploration at an early age. The initiative comes in response to growing parental interest in early tech education, particularly as summer holidays approach.
Bridging the Gap in Early Tech Education
According to Nifemi Akinwamide, Head of Global Operations at AltSchool Africa, the traditional education system often delays exposure to technology and innovation until tertiary education, which can limit a student’s growth potential.
“We believe teenagers don’t need to be Computer Engineering students to start learning tech skills,” Akinwamide said.
The new program is grounded in the “catch them young” model, introducing students aged 14 to 16 to foundational concepts in software engineering well before university.
Practical, Personalized, and Purposeful Learning
The program emphasizes practical training, career guidance, and 1-on-1 mentorship, allowing teenagers to explore software development in a hands-on, engaging manner. The curriculum includes core fundamentals such as:
- Website structure
- HTML
- CSS
These skills provide a starting point for students to understand how websites are built and encourage problem-solving through code.
Empowering Teens to Take Charge of Their Future
One of the program’s key goals is to help teenagers make informed career decisions before reaching university. By introducing coding early, students gain clarity on their interests and can align their academic and career goals accordingly.
“We’re not just teaching them tech skills. We’re teaching them how to take control of their future,” Akinwamide added.
AltSchool Africa believes that early exposure to tech reduces the need for constant re-skilling later in life, as students build strong foundational knowledge from the start.
Summer Tech Program: Duration and Structure
The online program is designed to run for 2–3 months, from August through September or October, coinciding with the summer break. It’s intentionally structured to accommodate students’ regular school schedules, ensuring it complements rather than conflicts with their academic calendar.
Laying the Foundation for Africa’s Next Generation of Tech Innovators
While currently limited to Software Engineering, AltSchool Africa envisions expanding the curriculum to include other tech disciplines in the future. For now, this pilot phase aims to:
- Foster curiosity and confidence in technology
- Equip teens with valuable digital skills
- Offer mentorship from experienced professionals
- Provide exposure to future career paths
By empowering young minds early, AltSchool Africa hopes to create a new wave of tech-savvy innovators who are equipped to solve real-world problems and lead Africa’s digital transformation.
