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Australian high schoolers build coding platform to help learners in Sri Lanka

3 months ago
  • #coding
  • #education
  • #digital-divide
  • Neth Dharmasiri, a 17-year-old from Queensland, developed a passion for coding at age 11 after receiving a Python beginner's guide.
  • He created 'Thadus,' a digital learning tool to teach coding to beginners, especially in areas with limited internet access.
  • The app includes three courses, with a focus on data science due to the current AI boom.
  • Neth and his friend Chinmay Lal partnered with Sri Lankan philanthropist Kushil Gunasekera to distribute the app in rural Sri Lanka.
  • The app is free for not-for-profits and charities, aiming to bridge the digital divide.
  • Education experts highlight the importance of coding skills, comparable to numeracy and literacy, for students globally.
  • Dr. Louise Puslednik from the University of Southern Queensland emphasized the app's role in addressing digital access disparities.
  • Neth believes anyone can learn to code with the right resources and attitude, advocating for equal access to technology.