Lessons on Coding Basics for our Kids in Vietnam 

By Marta Rosa Spiga

Vietnam has witnessed significant growth in its information technology (IT) sector over the past decade, resulting in numerous job opportunities for skilled professionals. It is important to note that the IT job market in Vietnam is highly competitive, and proficiency in English is often a prerequisite for many positions, particularly those with multinational companies. Moreover, continuous learning and upskilling are essential to remain relevant in this rapidly evolving field.

Software development, in particular, is a thriving industry in Vietnam. We believe that providing children with the opportunity to learn coding at a young age will benefit them greatly, equipping them with essential skills and preparing them for the increasingly digital world they will navigate.

In line with our vision for their future, we have partnered with NearForm, a leading open-source company, to create online classes in English that will lay the foundation for children's coding knowledge. The inaugural session of "Coding for Kids" took place at the Community Learning Center in Ngoc Bai Village, Quoc Oai district, located on the outskirts of Hanoi. The children completed the first week of the program, receiving their first certificate, "Introduction to Scratch." Their excitement and joy were palpable as they acquired new skills. They were also eager to communicate and interact with individuals from different countries, greatly cherishing the opportunity to meet their first teachers, software developers Jeremy Sharp, Francisco Ferreira Cardoso, and Luis Faustino.

Nguyen Nhu Quynh, our dedicated local volunteer overseeing the project in Vietnam, shared her thoughts: "Jeremy and Luis are incredibly friendly and patient. Initially, the children were somewhat shy to interact, but as time went on, they began to engage more. The children's enthusiasm and involvement were the greatest achievements of this endeavour."

We also had the opportunity to interview the first teachers, seeking their feedback and impressions of the initial lessons, as well as their motivations for volunteering and whether they enjoyed leading the class.

Jeremy, a developer based near London, UK, expressed his reasons for volunteering for this lesson: "I thoroughly enjoy sharing my passion for coding. Having started coding as a child, I found it fulfilling to teach kids who may not typically have the same opportunities I was fortunate to have." When asked about his experience running the lesson, he replied, "Yes, it was a fantastic experience! I wasn't sure how engaged the children would be, but they were excellent and extremely well-behaved. They displayed genuine interest in what we were doing and were eager to follow along."

Luis, a developer who has been passionate about computer science since a young age, is currently teaching coding skills to his own children. As a certified trainer and aspiring mentor, he had this to say about teaching the lesson: "I always wished I had someone to teach me when I was a kid attempting 'computer things,' so I was delighted to assist these kids who are interested in computer programming. My hope is that they not only have fun but also develop an appetite for further learning." Reflecting on the session, Luis expressed, "The session was well-planned and thought out, with exceptional support from the volunteer team, which minimised the language barrier. Additionally, the NearForm team behind the scenes deserves recognition for their outstanding work in designing lesson templates and attending to other seemingly 'small' details that significantly contributed to the smooth running of the program." Regarding his personal takeaway, he concluded, "Regardless of one's location, the need for learning is ever-present. I sincerely hope that more sessions like this can take place everywhere."

Francisco Ferreira Cardoso, a cloud computing engineer based in Brazil, actively participates in tech communities to share knowledge and connect with people. He has a passion for travelling and enjoys watching movies. Francisco, who delivered the lesson on making design decisions, shared his thoughts on the experience:

"I am always seeking ways to empower individuals facing social disadvantages. I firmly believe that education is the most powerful tool for bringing about a revolution in the lives of those who need it the most. I faced several challenges while growing up, and learning played a vital role in overcoming most of them. I am immensely grateful to the incredible individuals who guided and motivated me along the way. Now that I find myself in a privileged position, I have a strong desire to give back and contribute to creating a fairer world.The experience of delivering the lesson was truly remarkable. Witnessing the energy and enthusiasm of those kids and knowing that I could make a meaningful contribution filled me with warmth. The lesson was not only educational but also creative and enjoyable. We encouraged the children to have fun and actively participate in their learning. The module we covered focused on creativity and included drawing, a topic that kids usually love. The children took great pride in their work and enthusiastically shared screenshots throughout the lesson. We explored essential software development skills that are applicable to everyday tasks, such as handling user inputs and working with loops. Additionally, we emphasised that design encompasses not only the appearance of something but also its functionality."