Empowering Young Minds

Today, the importance of learning digital skills cannot be overemphasized. Over the years, there’s been a rapid growth in the number of people learning to code and pursuing careers in tech. One interesting aspect of developed and even developing countries we have today is that they invest in their children learning digital skills. Take a good look at countries like China and the United States for example. Children, even those in elementary schools are given quality education where they learn digital skills. As they grow older, they become better at what they do, and soon enough, they start to develop websites, code, and build things. In my country, although some schools make tech compulsory, it is not as rigorous as it is in other countries.

For today’s Hive learners’ topic, the community asks us if coding and programming should be made compulsory for students. “Catch them young.” One thing I have come to realize about learning a skill is that it becomes easier when it is learnt from childhood. For example, a child who learns how to play the guitar from childhood would fare better than a person who learns it in adulthood. For starters, kids often have the enthusiasm to learn things. As kids, they are engrossed in learning the skill. Plus, they don’t have other responsibilities to settle, which makes it easier for them to learn the skill without distractions. On the other hand, adults may struggle to learn a skill because responsibilities might cloud their focus, making it difficult for them to learn quickly and effectively.

Back to the question for today’s prompt, should coding and programming be made compulsory for every child in school? Looking at the topic, one might consider these questions; what if the kid grows up to not like that field? What if the kid falls in love with another field? Wouldn’t that be a waste? Well, in my opinion, regardless of whatever reasons, programming and coding should be made compulsory for students. One important reason why this should be the case is that no knowledge is wasted. If programming and coding is taught to a kid right from when they are young and in elementary school, to high school, and then they choose to go another field after high school, the knowledge they have learnt will be a part of them, and might even come handy in the future. Who knows what the future holds?

Also, looking at the current situation, technology has taken over almost all aspects of the world and it is only the beginning. It is safe to assume that in years to come, there will be an increase in demand for tech experts. In my country, the economy is in shambles. The fact that every year thousands of students graduate, yet there are no jobs is concerning. Imagine going through the four walls of education only to end up doing a menial job. That’s sad and pathetic. However, if a person is well skilled in tech, this will not be a problem. Or at least, the situation would be better. As I mentioned above, there is an increasing demand for tech experts, and coding and programming are ways to fight off unemployment.

The best decision to take in this regard is to let everyone have basic knowledge of coding and programming. Yes, it should be made compulsory in elementary and high schools. Then, when they're old enough, they can decide what field to venture into. Regardless of whether they choose to stay in the tech field or go into another field, the knowledge they've acquired will always come in handy. Also, when it comes to the time for them to choose whatever field they want, they shouldn't be forced, but should be left alone to do whatever they choose.

Thanks for reading.

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