“The program not only gives me the opportunity to learn to code, but also to interact and make friends with normal children,” Enkhmend Davaajav, a 15-year-old deaf student at a school in Ulaanbaatar (the capital of Mongolia), shared when participating in the Girls' Code program.
Girls' Code is a pioneering non-profit organization addressing gender inequality in information technology (IT) and bridging the digital divide in Mongolia. The organization equips girls with coding skills through a 2.5-month boot camp, preparing them to become future software engineers.
In 2024, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) supported 30 girls from grades 9 to 12 in schools in Ulaanbaatar and the provincial area to participate in this program.
During the program, Enkhmend met Doljinsuren, a 17-year-old girl from Bayankhongor who knows sign language. Doljinsuren learned sign language after meeting her deaf friend Namuunaa in a UNICEF program in 2022. While participating in Girls' Code, Doljinsuren helped Enkhmend communicate with people.
This summer, Enkhmend and Doljinsuren were among 30 girls selected from 21 provinces and the city of Ulaanbaatar to attend the Girls' Code summer camp at the Mongolian University of Science and Technology. For them, the program was not only their first exposure to coding, but also a gateway to a promising future in the digital world.
Tech Equality for Girls
Girls' Code is an organization that promotes equal opportunities for girls in the male-dominated field of technology. Through the program, young women like Enkhmend and Doljinsuren have been empowered to break down barriers, build friendships, and envision a future where technology and inclusion go hand in hand.
Girls Code encourages girls to pursue their passions in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and gives them the skills and confidence they need to succeed.
Anujin N, 17 years old, from Ulaanbaatar city
Looking ahead, Enkhmend dreams of applying technology in the film industry. She also expressed deep gratitude to her older sister, who has always supported her on this journey. "She always encouraged me to join the show. She must be so proud of me now," Enkhmend said with a bright smile on her face.
As for Doljinsuren, she wants to send a message of inclusion and equal opportunity to her generation. "Don't discriminate, I want everyone to be equal like the kids in our program. Everyone tries to use sign language as much as possible," she shared.
During Girls' Code, Enkhmend and her friends also participated in a group project to create a website for "Hamster Café," a cafe where customers can enjoy coffee while spending time with hamsters.
The girls will create a website that will provide information about the cafe, the dessert menu, and an introduction to the hamsters. The project aims to make the cafe accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities.
Building a better future
Girls' Code is more than just a coding course; it's a catalyst for change. As girls navigate their own paths, they take with them the skills and confidence to inspire their communities and create a brighter future for everyone.
“Empowering young people, especially girls, through STEMeducation is essential to building a brighter and more inclusive future. UNICEF is proud to support girls to develop coding skills and give back to their communities,” said Evariste Kouassi Komlan, UNICEF Representative in Mongolia.
Anujin N, 17, from Ulaanbaatar, overcame her initial fears to join the program and is now filled with pride. “I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to absorb the knowledge because I had no coding background,” she said. “But now I’m proud of myself and feel great that I was able to learn things I didn’t know.”
Many of the girls participating in the Girls' Code program are eager to share their new knowledge with their communities back home. "Girls from 21 provinces across the country really inspire me with their leadership skills," said Michidmaa E, 16, from Zavkhan province.
So after completing the program, I want to become a leader at school and teach my classmates what I have learned."
Source: UNICEF
Source: https://phunuvietnam.vn/thuc-day-binh-dang-gioi-ve-cong-nghe-cho-nu-sinh-mong-co-2024103112525257.htm
Comment (0)