Empowering young minds through coding
In a world driven by technology, coding has become an essential skill. Through a partnership with code.org, which was made possible through an Agreement of Cooperation between the Ismaili Imamat and the US state of California, over 1,750 students from Grades 5 to 8 across the Aga Khan schools in India (Maharashtra, Telangana and Gujarat) have been able to nurture this skill, learning about the significance and fundamentals of coding.
Code.org is an education innovation nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to and participation in computer science in schools. It offers ‘
Hour of Code’, a one-hour introduction to computer science through fun, engaging activities designed to nurture problem-solving skills, logical thinking and creativity.
For the students in India who participated – 50 per cent of whom were female – the Hour of Code focused on two key learning modules:
- 'AI for Oceans’: Students programmed and trained artificial intelligence to clean up virtual oceans, learning about marine pollution and its impact on the environment.
- 'Music Lab’: Students created and experimented with sound, composing and remixing melodies and rhythms using block-based coding. This module encouraged creativity while reinforcing fundamental programming concepts.
Both modules utilised a scratch-style, drag-and-drop coding interface that simplified complex programming concepts such as loops, conditionals and logical sequencing. This hands-on approach made coding more accessible and engaging, especially for beginners, helping them build confidence and develop foundational computational thinking skills.
The Hour of Code programme sparked curiosity and a growing passion for technology among students. Many students who had never coded before discovered a newfound interest in programming, while others deepened their understanding of logical reasoning and algorithmic thinking. Teachers also observed a positive shift in students’ confidence as they tackled challenges and demonstrated resilience in problem-solving.
“The engagement levels were incredible – students were not just learning to code; they were learning to think, collaborate and create,” said Ms Seema S. Yadav, a computer teacher from the Diamond Jubilee High School for Girls, Mumbai. “Seeing their confidence grow was truly rewarding.”
The wide reach of the programme across multiple regions in India also provided valuable exposure to students from diverse backgrounds, further encouraging inclusivity in digital learning.
“I never imagined coding could be this fun,” shared A. Chaitanya, a Grade 5 student from the Platinum Jubilee High School, Warangal. “It feels great to create something on my own and see it come to life. Coding is not just about logic – it’s also about creativity!”
The success of the Hour of Code initiative set the stage for future initiatives, inspiring students to continue their journey in programming. By equipping them with essential digital skills, the Aga Khan Schools is preparing them for a future where technology and creativity go hand in hand.
Learn more about the partnership between the Aga Khan Schools and Code.org
here.
Photos (top to bottom):
- Students at the Aga Khan School, Sidhpur practising the software.
- Students at the Platinum Jubilee High School, Warangal practising the software.
- Students at the Diamond Jubilee High School for Girls, Mumbai practising the software.
- Teacher conducting a seminar for students at the Aga Khan School, Sidhpur on "Music Lab".
