iamtheCODE is a pioneering African-led initiative driving a global movement in STEAMED education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, Entrepreneurship, and Design). Our mission is to mobilize governments, the private sector, philanthropic entities, and civil society to invest in future technologies. This investment aims to foster sustainable development for women, girls, and youth in marginalized communities worldwide. A core tenet of our work is empowering women and girls, directly aligning with the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (S.D.G.s). Our goal is ambitious yet achievable: to enable 1 million young women and girls to become coders by 2030. This aligns with the U.N.'s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and addresses critical global challenges such as poverty, environmental protection, and prosperity for all. To date, iamtheCODE has hosted over 400 events worldwide, especially in the U.K., U.A.E., Brazil, and Kenya, including Digital Clubs, Bootcamps, Mentoring Sessions, Design Thinking workshops, and Hackathons. These events provide youth from marginalized communities with hands-on experience in various technologies, equipping them with skills in languages like Javascript, Python, CoffeeScript, CSS, and HTML. Participants earn digital badges from IDEA.org.uk, marking their proficiency and progress and gaining access to our 12-week digital platform. The success of iamtheCODE has been bolstered by our partnerships with leading global organizations such as UNICEF, The World Economic Forum, U.N., UN-WOMEN, UBS Optimus Foundation, Unilever, Alibaba, EY, Skillsoft, Coursera, U.N.H.C.R., Microsoft, Salesforce, and the British Council. These collaborations enhance our reach and impact, bringing us closer to our goal of creating a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future for women and girls in technology.

https://www.iamthecode.org/

• Kenya
• Sri Lanka
• United Kingdom

To focus specifically on replicating a project like iamtheCODE, which aims to empower young marginalized girls in I.C.T., we can outline a strategy that leverages iamtheCODE’s core principles and methodologies. iamtheCODE is an initiative that seeks to mobilize governments, businesses, and philanthropic foundations to advance STEAMED (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, Entrepreneurship, and Design) education and digital literacy for girls, particularly in Africa and other underrepresented regions.

Emphasizing in replicating the iamtheCODE model:

Urban and Rural Communities: The model can be adapted to urban and rural settings, with special considerations for infrastructure and access in rural areas.

Developing and Developed Countries: While iamtheCODE focuses on Africa and other underrepresented regions, its principles are universal. The model can be replicated in developed countries to address local disparities in S.T.E.A.M.D. education and digital literacy for girls.

Schools and Community Centers: The program can be integrated into school curricula or offered as extracurricular activities in Community centres, libraries, and online, providing flexibility in how and where education is delivered.

1. Diverse Funding Sources

- Partnerships with the Private Sector: Engaging with tech companies and businesses for sponsorships, grants, and in-kind donations ensures a steady flow of resources necessary for the project's activities.
- Government and International Funding: Securing support from governmental and international development agencies can provide substantial funding and legitimacy, helping to scale the initiative and ensure its Sustainability.

2. Capacity Building and Local Ownership

- Train-the-Trainer Programs: Empowering local educators and volunteers to deliver the curriculum enhances the project's capacity to operate independently in various communities. This approach builds local ownership and ensures the program's Sustainability beyond the initial implementation phase.
- Youth Leadership: Encouraging participants to become ambassadors or mentors for incoming students creates a self-reinforcing Community of practice that supports the program's continuity and growth.

3. Scalable and Adaptable Model

- Our Modular Curriculum: A flexible curriculum that can be adapted to different technological contexts, languages, and local needs ensures the program remains relevant and practical across diverse settings.
- Digital Platforms: Leveraging our online learning platforms and digital resources enables the project to reach a wider audience with lower marginal costs, contributing to its scalability and Sustainability.
- Local context: Understanding the local need and context.

4. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (M.E.L.)

5. Alignment with Global Goals and Policies

- Supporting S.D.G.s: By aligning its objectives with Sustainable Development Goals, especially those related to education, gender equality, and economic empowerment, the project positions itself to attract support from a wide range of stakeholders committed to these global targets.

Our Foundation is focused on empowering young marginalized girls in I.C.T.. It promotes W.S.I.S. values by fostering inclusivity, ensuring access to information and knowledge, addressing the ethical dimensions of I.C.T., building partnerships for development, and contributing to achieving sustainable development goals. Through these efforts, our Foundation is vital in advancing the vision of a people-centred, inclusive, and development-oriented information society within the Community.