#WeSpeakCode aims to start Pinoy kids early in programming

 

 

 

 

 

Microsoft's #WeSpeakCode campaign is out to get Pinoy kids to embrace computer programming early on because, let's face it: it's everywhere. And it's not that hard to learn.

 

"Whatever you do, technology is always there," Raul Cortez, Director for Corporate and Legal Affairs of Microsoft Philippines said at the campaign's event at SM Megamall last Saturday, March 21. "The world is changing and we're raising a generation that uses technology."

 

The Microsoft Youthspark #WeSpeakCode campaign is on its second run in the Asia Pacific, and aims to promote coding as a language for everyone in the region. Microsoft Student Partners will be teaching coding to select school within and outside Metro Manila.

 

Survey says: Kids want to learn

Microsoft released the results from a new Asia Pacific study that revealed that majority of students in the Philippines recognize the value of coding and its potential for their future careers.

 

The study was conducted in February 2015 and surveyed 1,850 students under 24 years old from across 8 countries in Asia Pacific: Australia, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

 

It was revealed that 97% of the students, who come from a variety of academic backgrounds, wish to learn more about coding, and want it to be offered as a core subject in school. 96% of them say that coding is important to their future careers, and 92% agree that it will be relevant to all careers in the future, regardless of specialization.

 

The Microsoft Youthspark #WeSpeakCode campaign hopes to connect aspiring coders to the knowledge and tools that they need to support this trend.

 

Cortez concluded, "We strive to achieve our goal of empowering our youth." — TJD, GMA News