Rural Software Engineering Programme Initiated through Collaboration between WeThinkCode and South Cape TVET College
WeThinkCode_, a non-profit organisation dedicated to making software engineering education accessible, has partnered with South Cape TVET College to launch a scalable software engineering training programme in Riversdale, South Africa. This initiative is a significant step towards bringing tech education opportunities to underserved communities.
The partnership, supported by the DG Murray Trust and the Caterpillar Foundation, will provide a rigorous 18-month training programme for 30 students at the Hessequa Campus. The curriculum covers foundational software development and advanced specializations in areas like mobile development, cloud computing, AI, and more.
Ruvimbo Gwatirisa, Director of Public Partnerships at WeThinkCode_, emphasized that this partnership is more than just a standalone program; it is a scalable blueprint for reaching youth in regions where tech education opportunities are scarce. The goal is to replicate this successful training model beyond major urban centers.
This collaboration aligns with the South African Department of Higher Education and Training’s agenda to modernize TVET colleges with digital skills, linking students directly to job opportunities in the growing digital economy. David Modiba, Deputy Director of DHET TVET, highlighted the partnership's role in aligning South Cape TVET College's curriculum with industry needs.
The partnership ensures on-campus accommodation to make the program more accessible to rural and disadvantaged students. Upon completion, students will earn an NQF Level 6 Occupational Certificate in Software Engineering.
WeThinkCode_ is committed to making software engineering education accessible to all. Through this partnership, they are working to engage with key stakeholders, including government, industry, and funders, to expand their model and bring quality tech education to more communities across South Africa.
In essence, the WeThinkCode_ and South Cape TVET College partnership represents a scalable, replicable blueprint for expanding quality tech education in rural South Africa, aligned with government priorities and focused on inclusive digital career pathways. This initiative lays the groundwork for future collaborations that will bring software engineering training to more communities across the country.
The WeThinkCode_ partnership with South Cape TVET College, supported by DG Murray Trust and the Caterpillar Foundation, offers a potent 18-month software engineering training program, imparting foundational knowledge and specialized skills in sectors like cloud computing, AI, and mobile development. This initiative is designed to be a scalable blueprint, aiming to extend quality tech education beyond urban centers.
With a focus on inclusive digital career pathways, the partnership leverages technology to modernize TVET colleges and align their curriculum with industry needs, as envisioned by the South African Department of Higher Education and Training. This collaboration serves as a stepping stone for future collaborations, propelling software engineering education to more communities across the nation.
The goal of WeThinkCode_ is to bridge the tech education gap, engaging key stakeholders such as government, industry, and funders, with the aim to expand their education model and deliver quality software education to numerous communities in South Africa.
