AmaliTech, in collaboration with Access Bank, proudly hosted the Western Region edition of the Coding for Kids (C4K) competition, designed to foster digital literacy and creative problem-solving among young learners. The competition saw students from five of the 2 Garisson schools come together to demonstrate their newly acquired coding skills, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between AmaliTech and Access Bank.

The competition focused on showcasing students’ practical coding abilities. Each team of three was tasked with building a website for an insurance company—a challenge that pushed their creativity and technical knowledge. Projects were evaluated on the user interface, functionality, and overall professionalism, and several stood out for their intuitive designs and high-quality execution, showcasing the immense potential of these young coders.

Notable Attendance and Support

The event drew key stakeholders and high-profile attendees, including top officials from the Ghana Armed Forces Education Corps (GAFEC), representatives from Ghana Education Service Western Region, Mr. Ralph Menz (the CEO of Naa Sika), Mr. Bright Bruce-Acquaye (Operations Manager, Everest Technologies), the Director of Programs at DaliJay Tech Hub, and representatives from Ghana TVET Service, Western Region. The presence of such dignitaries underscored the significance of the initiative in shaping the future of young students in Ghana.

During the event, the Education Director for GAFEC, delivered a powerful speech, highlighting the transformative impact of the Coding for Kids programme. He stressed how the initiative, spearheaded by AmaliTech and Access Bank, equips students with crucial skills for a digital future.

Access Bank’s representative reaffirmed their commitment to youth empowerment, noting that this programme perfectly aligns with their goal of investing in future leaders.

AmaliTech’s CSR Lead, Lois Young, also expressed deep appreciation for the support received from Access Bank, recognizing the role of trainers and volunteers whose hard work made the project a reality.

The Competition and Awards

Five schools participated in the competition, with three students representing each school. Over several months, the students had been part of coding clubs where they learned the fundamentals of web development, including HTML and CSS. The results were on full display as the young coders presented their web pages to the panel of judges, impressing everyone with their skill and creativity.

Though all teams were recognized with participation awards, the top-performing students were awarded a trophy, medals, educational accessories, AmaliTech branded souvenirs, Access Bank branded souvenirs, and the opportunity for their website to feature on AmaliTech’s website. In addition, the winners were each awarded a kid savings account (with initial deposit), set up by Access Bank to encourage financial literacy and saving habits.

The trainers, who had undergone extensive preparation through AmaliTech’s Train the Trainers programme, were also recognized for their contributions to the C4K programme with special souvenirs, along with volunteers who played a key role in supporting the event.

Reflecting on a Successful Event

The Western Region Coding for Kids Competition marked a significant step in promoting digital literacy among schoolchildren. The success of this event is a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration, dedication, and a shared vision for the future. With Access Bank’s continued support, AmaliTech looks forward to further empowering young minds, equipping them with the tools to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

For more information on the Coding for Kids programme, please visit https://amalitech.org/c-4-k/