Coding: The Highly Valuable Skill Kids Should Learn

The population of Nigeria is fast growing and this growth is projected for years to come. With the largest youth population in Africa, the population growth rate does not match the economic growth rate. The growing population must be skilled enough to withstand the unemployment rate that they might face at some stage and learn skills to make money. One of the ways to become privileged among many is learning how to code.

What is coding?

Coding is a machine language, also known as computer programming; with the use of this program, computers are told how to execute commands and give results. Therefore coding can be said to be a set of commands a computer needs to function in an ideal way or a way of communicating with a computer.

How early can a kid start learning codes?

Starting at an early age is advantageous for children; at the age of 5-7 years, kids can begin to grasp the simple ways of coding. A kid needs creative ways to learn to code through online coding classes, so it’s important to make it interesting and most of these concepts used are with the guide of games.

Games make the procedure more fun and interesting, it also engages them while they learn. Many of the beginner’s coding summer camps for kids involve game development; this is a concept that will help turn the enthusiasm your kids have for games into a learning tool.

Why should your kid learn to code?

We can think of many reasons why kids should learn coding, the most important being the rate of unemployment in Nigeria! Otherwise, below are some reasons why you should allow them to learn coding skills.

1. Coding helps kids understand their world better: the world is connected with technology all around us today, from mobile phones to laptops, tablets, and many apps and websites. Learning coding will help your kid understand the world better. It will help them see more of these devices from a different perspective and learn ways to adapt this knowledge to fit whatever career path they choose.
2. Competitive advantage: learning codes can give children a competitive advantage over their peers who don’t have such know-how. Understanding how to code at an early age can open scholarship opportunities to your kid at top universities around the world.
3. High demand for computer programmers: with new technologies emerging daily, the tech world easily accommodates the growth by hiring extra hands, and this is not easily available in Nigeria. Imagine what that could mean as a job opportunity for your growing kid.

Where do you start from for your kid?

It’s important to understand that you have to start small then grow from that point. The simple things first before the more complex solutions. That’s the way to help them enjoy the process.

• Summer coding camp: you are probably busy, or don’t know how to code yourself. It’s therefore important to let those who have the knowledge and time impact the first steps of your kid’s knowledge. Enrolling your kid in a holiday summer coding camp will help introduce them to basics while they have lots of fun doing projects! They learn faster and gain more interest because they will be amongst their peers. This can also help them connect with other kids and build teamwork spirit.

• Ongoing Coding Classes: these classes would try out the small things as was noted above, using the game technique they can relate to. Once they understand the general idea around it, it becomes easier as they grow. Ongoing classes also provide an avenue for continuous growth and constant practice because learning coding is really like learning a new language. No wonder they call them programming languages!

In conclusion, coding is a skill to learn that Nigerian kids should take as part of their learning tools. Apart from the growth advantage it offers, it gives them an edge over their peers, opens up their minds to more possibilities, and exposes them to opportunities around the world.