On Thursday 23rd April, 2015, the Ministry of Science and Technology of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago celebrated International Girls in ICT Day, and recognised the ITU’s theme for April, ‘Girls and Women and Innovation’, by hosting a Coding and Design Workshop for female officers of the Ministry. Titled ‘Tech Savvy – a Girls in ICT Coding and Design Workshop’ the day-long event, introduced members of staff to the fundamentals of algorithms and logical thinking; application development; and website design and development. Noting that technology is omnipresent in today’s society, the workshop was also intended to demonstrate how ICTs can bring about meaningful change in personal and professional development, while removing the stigma often associated with technology.
The Workshop, which took place at the office of the Ministry of Science and Technology, provided an immersive beginner workshop that introduced female members of staff to the core concepts of coding; application and website design; allowed for exposure to emerging technologies and concepts in a creative and collaborative environment; and inculcated proficiencies such as being cyber safe; managing personal online presence; and online shopping. The training aimed to inspire staff with little or no technical background, to:
- develop a level of proficiency in coding and website design;
- begin to think creatively, and analytically about real-world problems;
- consider pursuing studies in the field; and
- view code as a force for positive change while exploring new/emerging technologies.
A collaborative initiative with Aura-Tech Solutions Limited, the programme targeted 30 young women, who were awarded with Certificates of Participation at the end of the workshop. The first of several events to commemorate the International Day in Trinidad and Tobago, the event allowed participants to develop a keen interest in ICTs and the myriad of opportunities the ICT sector holds for their future.
