Cartoon Network Arabic has partnered with Code.org to raise awareness and inspire children to get involved in computer science. This is the first initiative of its kind for Code.org in the MENA region. Code.org launched in 2013 with the aim to expand participation in computer science by making it available in more schools. The organisation […]
Cartoon Network Arabic has partnered with Code.org to raise awareness and inspire children to get involved in computer science. This is the first initiative of its kind for Code.org in the MENA region.
Code.org launched in 2013 with the aim to expand participation in computer science by making it available in more schools. The organisation believes that computer science and programming should be part of the core curriculum in education, alongside other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses. It offers tutorials introducing core concepts in a fun and entertaining manner. These are game-like, self-directed coding tutorials starring video lectures by industry giants such as Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg. The aim is to show that it is much easier to learn to program than you might think and to inspire children to further explore and gain a better understanding of computer science and programming. Since its launch, 75 million students have tried its Hour of Code programs and 65,000 classrooms have used the intro course.
Cartoon Network Arabic supported this message by launching an Hour of Code campaign both on-air and online in December. The already hugely successful Cartoon Network Arabic website hosted Code.org tutorials in Arabic at www.cartoonnetworkarabic.com/hourofcode where regional kids tried out their coding skills and furthered their interest in the field.
“Everybody recognises that technology is changing the world around us, at a pace never before imagined. Together with Cartoon Network Arabic we hope to inspire not only children, but also their parents and their teachers, that today’s kids can learn not only to use the technology of the future, but to understand how it works and build it themselves,” says Code.org co-Founder Hadi Partovi.
Tarek Mounir, General Manager MENA, Turkey, Greece and Cyprus at Turner Broadcasting System International comments: As an innovative childrens platform, we understand the importance of digital technology in the learning and development needs of young children across the MENA region. We are thrilled about our partnership with Code.org and, together, look forward to inspiring the next generation of computer stars. We are committed to showing that anybody can try computer science, and learning the basics is the best way to prepare for any career today.
