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Robert Ndlovu
FOLLOWING an article that featured in this daily newspaper a few weeks ago, I received dozens of e-mails, text messages and phone calls from a broad range of people who showed interest in becoming part of this.
The idea is to set up a coding boot camp in Bulawayo and surrounding areas.
Pretty interesting, there were responses from Chegutu, Kwekwe and Gweru and Mutare. This tells you half the story.
There is a shortage of these boot camps. Coding must be decentralised. For those who missed the article it can be found here: http://www.chronicle.co.zw/coding-bootcamps-for-bulawayo/
From the feedback that I received it was clear which areas needed more clarification. It was pretty obvious that different people from different walks of life had a different take to the write-up.
This was a very valuable feedback mechanism. This enables the trainer to model a results-based curriculum that factors in the end user requirements, expectations and fears.
Now let us try to answer some of the questions raised.
Q. What courses will be covered?
A. This was a very common question. The plan is to offer digital literacy lessons. These constitute the most basic form of modules. These modules target professionals, non-professionals, tradesman, “the dealer”, musicians, artistes, poets and others whose core employment has nothing to do with computers.
These are people who use ICT technologies as a means to an end. Examples of the modules in which we have found trainers and tutors to date include:
- Microsoft Proficiency – Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Outlook
- Audio and Video Programming
- Teaching and Content Delivery Systems (e.g. audio and video lessons)
- Blogging and Social Media Tools
- Internet connectivity
- Digital Libraries
The second portions of modules are mainly for those already in ICT industry and want to take their skills to world class levels.
This is hard core coding. And this course will be offered via modules that have been sourced online and can be downloaded to a local machine.
This is a lifetime investment and no quick bang kind of business. Budget a minimum nine months part time on this.
Women are encouraged to enrol as there is a serious shortage of them in this industry resonating with 500,000 vacancies – yes.
- HTML5
- Python
- Perl
- Javascript
- Java
- Android and IOS development
- Animation ( “sgwadi mampara” )
The third group is slightly different as it mainly focuses on hard-to-get skills.
The following modules assume a good and firm ICT background.
The coding hub avails the platform to acquire these skills which are online based from the centre that will be announced in due course.
A fibre optic connection has been sourced for this so that students programme at the speed of thought.
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine learning
- Cloud Computing
- Data Mining
- Digital Forensics
- White Hack Hacking
Q. How much will these modules cost?
A. You guessed that right. The biggest challenge faced by most potential ICT coders is cost. It’s an egg and chicken issue.
You need money to get training. And you need good training to get a good job to get money.
Bulawayo Digital Hub will avail resources like machines, high speed internet, electricity, furniture and a roof so that skilled students with no money have a chance to take their skills to where they can.
This way the barrier to access to skills has been lowered.
What remains is your time, your commitment and your hard work.
These you have to bring to the party.
This is no stroll in the park nor taking candy from a three year old. So to that effect, the centre administrator will charge an administrative fee of no more than $ 20.
Three South Africa entities are interested along with a popular broadband company based out of Harare!
Q. Where and when will this be?
A. The venue and dates will be availed to enrolled students.
Q. How do I get involved?
A. If you are student or tutor or sponsor or any other well-wisher please feel free to drop us an email or text via app.
Q. Will I get a job after this training?
A. If you commit yourself to all the coding programmes availed – yes you will. And as I said coding is not for the faint hearted but hard working. And when you code you have mentors in India, Canada, USA and SA via blogs and chat rooms to help direct your efforts ?
Q. What other modules will be offering in future?
A. With the convergence of voice and data and the exponential rise of mobile phone usage , it goes without saying there is a lot of potential in the areas of VoIP , WebRTC , Mobile Money , LTE and Quantum computing.
The best that can be done in these areas is to expend energy in research and development.
An area that Zimbabwean companies in general lack and funny enough they get surprised when new products hit the market and they are caught flat footed .
Q. What can I do to help this take off soonest?
A. Share this info with friends who might share the same passion or someone whom you think could make use of ICT Digital skills.
Q. Whats in it for you (me)?
A. I live in Bulawayo and love computers, software and phone.
l Don’t forget to get a copy of The Chronicle next week! Contact Robert Ndlovu on: ndlovu @ Ymail.com. Call him on +263 77 600 2605
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