- 19 May, 2025
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- 2 Mins Read
Nurturing Future Coders and Storytellers: Inside the Maendeleo Holiday Program
At the heart of the Maendeleo Skills Academy this holiday season, something magical is unfolding. In a world where digital skills are more critical than ever, children from diverse backgrounds are diving into creativity, technology, and storytelling—and thriving.
Our Holiday Program, currently underway, is designed to offer age-appropriate, hands-on digital learning experiences that spark imagination and build 21st-century skills in a fun and inclusive environment. From coding to creative writing, every activity is a chance to unlock potential.
Coding with Scratch: Confidence Through Creativity
For the older participants (aged 10 and above), the spotlight is on Scratch programming. With laptops open and ideas flowing, these young minds are learning the foundations of coding by creating interactive stories, animations, and games. Beyond the excitement of seeing their characters move or their code respond, they’re developing essential skills in logical thinking, problem-solving, and digital creativity.
It’s not just about computers—it’s about confidence. Many of these children had never written a line of code before. Now, they’re building projects, collaborating with peers, and proudly showing off what they’ve made. Scratch has become more than a tool; it’s a canvas for innovation.
Storytelling with Storybird: Imagination Meets Digital Literacy
Meanwhile, the younger children (aged 6 to 9) are equally immersed—in worlds of their own creation. Using Storybird, they’re typing and illustrating short stories, choosing from a wide library of visual art to bring their tales to life. These storytelling sessions are more than just fun—they’re opportunities to build typing skills, understand story structure, and navigate digital tools safely and confidently.
Children who could barely type a few words at the beginning of the week are now creating full stories with titles, characters, and colorful illustrations. Their faces light up when they read their stories aloud, proud of what they’ve created on their own.
A Launchpad for Digital Confidence
What makes this program so special is not just the tools we use—it’s the transformation we witness. Children are discovering the power of technology not just as consumers, but as creators. They’re learning how to communicate, solve problems, and express themselves in ways that will benefit them far beyond the holiday season.
At Maendeleo Skills Academy, we believe that early exposure to digital skills is key to preparing the next generation for the opportunities of the future. This Holiday Program is one more step in our journey to bridge the digital divide and empower every child with the confidence to thrive in a digital world.
Stay Connected
We’re excited to see what the rest of the program holds, and we’ll continue sharing updates, success stories, and moments of joy from our classrooms. Follow us on our social media channels to stay inspired by the creativity and brilliance of Uganda’s young digital pioneers.
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