STEM in Namibia: Opportunities to the youth
Namibian Optimus Investments Coding Kids prioritises STEM learning
Equipping children and young adults with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to not merely navigate but thrive in an ever-evolving digital world.
The science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) sectors are needed not only to tackle national problems but also to sustain global relevance in a technologically advanced world.
Nonetheless, countries frequently confront obstacles to reaching fundamental educational goals for all due to a variety of social and technological variables.
The minimal initiatives to integrate STEM into school can be found in educational academies such as Namibian Optimus Investments (NOI) Coding Kids.
According to Anna Shiweda, the academy's operations manager, the academy incorporates and prioritises all aspects of STEM.
"Our fundamental computer proficiency programme provides learners with essential digital skills such as computer operations and software applications."
Furthermore, robotics courses provide hands-on experience in creating and programming robots, promoting problem-solving skills. Game development allows students to develop interactive games while honing their coding skills and creativity. Students in our web development courses learn the art of website creation, modification, hosting, and deployment, obtaining vital skills for the digital landscape."
Multiple tools
NOI is dedicated to providing future leaders with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the workplace.
She says STEM education at their academy provides a comprehensive approach to fostering the next generation. It emphasises problem-solving ability, critical thinking abilities, creativity, and cooperation proficiency.
Students are taught to break complex issues down into smaller steps, developing crucial problem-solving skills.
"They learn to think critically and analytically, enabling them to dissect problems and make sound decisions in various aspects of life" .
STEM allows students to release their creativity and discover unique solutions, which is useful in a variety of industries. Collaboration is an important component since it teaches students how to work together, communicate and exchange ideas. These abilities are essential for business and personal success.
Empowering the youth
Shiweda goes on to say that their academy fosters the best of the best, emphasising that their technology-based education immerses students in the most recent technological advancements, as evidenced by our students' exceptional performance in the 2019 ICT Summit's Innovation Challenge.
"In 2020, in a resounding triumph, young talents from NOI Coding Kids embraced the challenge of Africa Code. Week with unwavering determination and emerged as champions, securing the coveted first place. This victory not only underscores our commitment to nurturing future innovators but also showcases the remarkable potential that blossoms when young minds are empowered with the tools of coding”.
New language
They cultivate a unique fusion of creative thinking and technological proficiency, which not only highlights their coding skills but also their ability to seamlessly combine artistry with technology.
"Learning to code is akin to learning a new language for the digital age. It promotes computational thinking, logical reasoning, and the ability to transfer ideas into reality. Coding is the backbone of technology, and understanding it opens up a world of opportunities, from software development to data analysis," one student explains.
NOI Coding Kids provides face-to-face instruction. This enables them to reach out to and satisfy the specific needs of students in different areas. With registration open all year, they cordially invite those interested to join them on this transformative adventure.
"Together, we'll equip children and young adults with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to not merely navigate but thrive in an ever-evolving digital world" .
Nonetheless, countries frequently confront obstacles to reaching fundamental educational goals for all due to a variety of social and technological variables.
The minimal initiatives to integrate STEM into school can be found in educational academies such as Namibian Optimus Investments (NOI) Coding Kids.
According to Anna Shiweda, the academy's operations manager, the academy incorporates and prioritises all aspects of STEM.
"Our fundamental computer proficiency programme provides learners with essential digital skills such as computer operations and software applications."
Furthermore, robotics courses provide hands-on experience in creating and programming robots, promoting problem-solving skills. Game development allows students to develop interactive games while honing their coding skills and creativity. Students in our web development courses learn the art of website creation, modification, hosting, and deployment, obtaining vital skills for the digital landscape."
Multiple tools
NOI is dedicated to providing future leaders with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the workplace.
She says STEM education at their academy provides a comprehensive approach to fostering the next generation. It emphasises problem-solving ability, critical thinking abilities, creativity, and cooperation proficiency.
Students are taught to break complex issues down into smaller steps, developing crucial problem-solving skills.
"They learn to think critically and analytically, enabling them to dissect problems and make sound decisions in various aspects of life" .
STEM allows students to release their creativity and discover unique solutions, which is useful in a variety of industries. Collaboration is an important component since it teaches students how to work together, communicate and exchange ideas. These abilities are essential for business and personal success.
Empowering the youth
Shiweda goes on to say that their academy fosters the best of the best, emphasising that their technology-based education immerses students in the most recent technological advancements, as evidenced by our students' exceptional performance in the 2019 ICT Summit's Innovation Challenge.
"In 2020, in a resounding triumph, young talents from NOI Coding Kids embraced the challenge of Africa Code. Week with unwavering determination and emerged as champions, securing the coveted first place. This victory not only underscores our commitment to nurturing future innovators but also showcases the remarkable potential that blossoms when young minds are empowered with the tools of coding”.
New language
They cultivate a unique fusion of creative thinking and technological proficiency, which not only highlights their coding skills but also their ability to seamlessly combine artistry with technology.
"Learning to code is akin to learning a new language for the digital age. It promotes computational thinking, logical reasoning, and the ability to transfer ideas into reality. Coding is the backbone of technology, and understanding it opens up a world of opportunities, from software development to data analysis," one student explains.
NOI Coding Kids provides face-to-face instruction. This enables them to reach out to and satisfy the specific needs of students in different areas. With registration open all year, they cordially invite those interested to join them on this transformative adventure.
"Together, we'll equip children and young adults with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to not merely navigate but thrive in an ever-evolving digital world" .
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