Andela recently announced the launch of their homestudy curriculum. The aim of the programme is to help people gain basic knowledge in programming.
According to Andela, “The homestudy curriculum contains all that is required to have a full grasp of the introduction to computer science and a thorough understanding of best practices in computer science through the Python stack.”
The curriculum is made of ten modules that range from Introduction to Computer Science to basic knowledge in Web Programming. It is a curation of resources from different websites, all with the aim of giving the average Nigerian [or non-Nigerian] the chance to learn programming on their own.
One main objective of releasing the homestudy curriculum is to tackle the “slash and burn recruitment process” that has long characterized corporate Nigeria; the type of recruitment where only the best candidates are picked and the others are turned away, with little or nothing done to help their development. This model, according to Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, co-founder of Andela, is not sustainable in the long term “for our country, for business, for the industry and for the world.”
In a series of tweets, he went on to reveal the idea behind the homestudy curriculum:
So a few months back when our recruitment team @dupsyturvy and @terinacopper sat down to rethink our recruitment process.
— Iyinoluwa Aboyeji (@iaboyeji) November 10, 2015
We wanted to build something that would help us select the best people into the @Andela fellowship on merit but also build people up.
— Iyinoluwa Aboyeji (@iaboyeji) November 10, 2015
In partnership with our awesome Director of Education @CEO_RackCity and @Dim_kyky we started to build out a really special thing..
— Iyinoluwa Aboyeji (@iaboyeji) November 10, 2015
Today, we are so excited to present @Andela's new homestudy curriculum. Check it out here : https://t.co/8zhSGM4vPI
— Iyinoluwa Aboyeji (@iaboyeji) November 10, 2015
This curriculum is basically everything you should have been taught in computer science while you were in school : https://t.co/8zhSGM4vPI
— Iyinoluwa Aboyeji (@iaboyeji) November 10, 2015
In a world where software and machines are eating the world, we need you to be the chef, not the ingredients.
— Iyinoluwa Aboyeji (@iaboyeji) November 10, 2015
This curriculum is open sourced. It's primary purpose is to educate those looking to apply to our fellowship. (https://t.co/0zulpjQgsz)
— Iyinoluwa Aboyeji (@iaboyeji) November 10, 2015
And perhaps ultimately help us end our chronic talent shortage in the technology industry.
— Iyinoluwa Aboyeji (@iaboyeji) November 10, 2015
There was a time in this country, there were computer schools on every corner and technical knowledge was accessible to most people.
— Iyinoluwa Aboyeji (@iaboyeji) November 10, 2015
On the back of that revolution, companies like Socketworks and CWG were built!
— Iyinoluwa Aboyeji (@iaboyeji) November 10, 2015
We are hoping that this new wave will bring that culture of innovation and creation back.
— Iyinoluwa Aboyeji (@iaboyeji) November 10, 2015
So please help us extend this curriculum. Teach it in your schools, use it to train those who could use the skills. https://t.co/8zhSGMm6Hg
— Iyinoluwa Aboyeji (@iaboyeji) November 10, 2015
The future will thank you for it. #buildthefuture
— Iyinoluwa Aboyeji (@iaboyeji) November 10, 2015
The courses under the curriculum are designed to be understood by people who have no prior background in computer science and programming. The language is easy to understand and there is also no time restriction so you can take your time.