UNESCO and Codemao Expanded Coding Education
A collaborative initiative has integrated artificial intelligence and coding skills into schools across Africa.
Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Distance Learning
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UNESCO and Codemao have partnered to bridge the digital divide by training over 1,200 students in Kenya. The initiative utilizes a train-the-trainer model to empower educators and increase global competitiveness.
Why it matters
This program addresses critical gaps in digital literacy and technical training in developing regions. By fostering peer-to-peer learning networks, the initiative aims to prepare students for a technology-driven global economy.
The initiative has trained over 1,200 students in Kenya and incorporated 20 schools into the program since 2025. Additionally, 45 percent of the 200 teachers trained between 2021 and 2022 were women.
The players
UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency aimed at promoting world peace and security through international cooperation in education.
Codemao
Codemao is a technology company specializing in children's programming education and digital learning tools.
Augustine Nzuki
Augustine Nzuki is an educator involved in the project who plans to mentor teachers at 20 neighboring schools.
The details
The program employs a train-the-trainer model to scale digital skills, supported by hands-on robotics and drone training conducted in Shenzhen, China. Dedicated school coding clubs have been established to sustain the curriculum through peer-to-peer instruction.
Timeline
The youth coding initiative was launched in 2021.
Over 200 teachers completed international training between 2021 and 2022.
20 Kenyan schools joined the project starting in 2025.
Eight Kenyans traveled to Shenzhen, China, in July 2026 for training.
UNESCO officials discussed the project progress in Nairobi on October 4, 2026.
Culture Shift
The program reflects a broader global movement toward equitable access to digital tools as essential infrastructure for modern development. By moving beyond simple curriculum distribution to hands-on international training, the project aligns with the shift toward localized, high-tech vocational learning.
Students and educators in participating Kenyan schools receive direct access to advanced digital training and robotics equipment. These resources significantly reduce the barriers to entry for youth pursuing careers in science and technology.
The takeaway
Empowering local educators to lead technical training creates a more sustainable model for digital literacy in developing regions. Communities can replicate this success by focusing on peer-to-peer mentorship programs that build long-term institutional knowledge.
What happens next
Augustine Nzuki plans to visit 20 neighboring schools to mentor educators as the program continues its expansion.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in Distance Learning.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News.
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