Updated July 23, 2022
TechLit Africa student learning to code with Scratch in Kenya

Unlocking Software Dreams

First published on April 13, 2022
Tyler Cinnamon Black Background
Tyler Cinnamon
Founder & COO

The New Literacy

Learning to code without a computer is like learning to read without a book.

Computer programming is a more valuable skill now than ever before. Learning to code helps you to understand the modern world, gives you tools to improve your thinking, and is a powerful skill you could add to your career.

Modern Skills for Modern Jobs

Software has eaten the world. Most high-paying jobs depend on some kind of computer program, and many even require some degree of computer programming. Knowing how software works explains so much about modern life.

But understanding software is more than troubleshooting and taking advantage of digital life. Learning to read and write code teaches you intuitive thinking skills like solution composition, contract design and operational complexity.

Practically speaking, learning to code is one of the best skills to learn to improve your career. Even to this day, creating a software solution in most industries can completely change the world. At minimum, coding will empower you to solve otherwise impossible problems and complete tasks in a fraction of the time.

Swimming Upstream

Unfortunately, you cannot learn to code unless you're fairly tech-literate. You will need to know how to use a keyboard well, and you will need to know how to debug software tools well. To learn to code, you will need to know the difference between Windows and MacOS.

If you grew up in a city or a place with a computer in every home, then you are probably ready to learn to code. Kids growing up surrounded by computers and the internet know how to type, and they know how to restart an application. Kids growing up in the city have seen Windows and MacOS.

In Mogotio, Kenya, most kids do not know how to use a keyboard. They do not what to do when a computer program is not working. In Mogotio, kids may reach adulthood without seeing an Apple computer. But computer classes in primary school is an efficient solution to this inequity.

How To Provide Global Opportunity

TechLit Africa is opening the door to coding for rural Africa (starting this year in Kenya). Basic digital skills will give them powerful skills to earn a living, especially online. After becoming tech-literate, they will be able to learn to code. Students from TechLit's computer classes could become the tech leaders of tomorrow.


About The Author

Tyler Cinnamon Black Background
Tyler Cinnamon
Founder & COO

Tyler Cinnamon is a American programmer and entrepreneur. He started TechLit Africa with Nelly Cheboi in 2018 to disrupt poverty with used IT devices.