Learning coding by women is on the rise again. The Canada Learning Code organization offers training specially designed for women. Close-up.
“Would there be other women interested in creating a group of women to learn to code and to help each other?” With this tweet in 2011 by Toronto’s Heather Payne the Ladies Learning Code was launched.
The organization, rechristened Canada Learning Code, has since expanded and offers several initiatives in IT in over 30 Canadian regions. Canada Learning Code wants above all for “groups who have been historically underrepresented in the field of technology” to have the same opportunities to break into the field as others. And the audience is responding.
Women in IT
“It’s difficult to attract a female audience, because historically, since computers became a part of domestic life, it is proposed as a boy thing,” starts off Cassie L. Rhéaume, head of the French section for Montreal and organizer of the Teen Code Club. The Ladies Learning Code program was therefore created to provide a favourable environment for women to learn at their own pace, with the support of volunteer mentors. “We are often uncomfortable with the idea of having to assimilate what we think we should already know, so we provide a pleasant atmosphere for beginners,” adds Cassie L. Rhéaume, who wants women to take their place in this male-dominated environment.
Children and code
“The next generation is also very important, which is why we organize courses for the youngest,” explains Mrs. Rhéaume. The Girls Learning Code and Kids Learning Code programs are aimed at children aged 3 to 12 years. On the menu: activities about computers, from website creation to game design. Teenagers from 13 to 17 can participate in Teens Learning Code to learn the basics of programming. “It’s not easy for the youngest people to understand the importance of computers – they have to be convinced – but we’re heading in the right direction,” Cassie L. Rhéaume believes. Elementary and first cycle high school teachers can follow the Teachers Learning Code program to then be able to teach their students.
For the Canada Learning Code team there is no doubt, “the future is in code!”