e& joins international support for Code.org to teach coding to students

e& on Friday announced its partnership with Code.org, a global independent and non-profit organisation, to join the international movement to encourage and promote the teaching and raise awareness of computer science for the next generation of students and academics in UAE and its operating markets in the Middle East, Asia and Africa.

e& will work closely with Code.org to develop initiatives to raise awareness and promote curriculum changes at the national and local school level, to integrate computer science skills and concepts from an early age. This will also include providing insights into the potential opportunities and future prospects of embarking onto this career path. The collaboration will start in UAE and eventually expand across e&’s footprint.

The partnership will prioritise the expansion of computer science education for Arabic-speaking students by providing free, accessible content. The efforts will involve equipping teaching staff with the necessary skills to raise awareness about the importance of computer science, cultivate student curiosity, and impart key concepts.

The organisations will collaborate closely with the UAE Ministry of Education, with whom Code.org recently signed an MoU during the World Government Summit held in Dubai, as well as other relevant government institutions and local corporations. This partnership aims to address the ICT gap in the country and take appropriate measures to bridge it.

Hadi Partovi, founder and CEO of Code.org said: “It’s great to have e& onboard, especially since UAE is our primary focus and will be a crucial pillar for our expansion in the region. All students across all schools worldwide need to learn computer science, not only to understand the language of the technology we use daily but also to acquire the critical skills it fosters, such as mathematics, problem-solving, creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork. And these are the skills that companies demand, especially with the transformation of the world to digital. Promoting digital competencies and skills to access the jobs that the labour market demands are more critical than ever. And in this new employability, lifelong learning and professional reskilling of workers are two essential elements to connect with the challenges of the digital era.”