Indigi Code Program Partners with 42 Adelaide to bring Cutting Edge Coding Skills to Empower Indigenous Students

42 Adelaide is proud to announce its partnership with the ABC (Aboriginal Biodiversity Conservation) Foundation Ltd, a not-for-profit Indigenous led organisation committed to strengthening regional Aboriginal communities, to launch the empowering On-Country program, Indigi Code. This innovative initiative solely funded by ABC Foundation offers a 100% free coding curriculum designed specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students.

The first?school?to participate in the Indigi Code program is Ngutu College, an independent, socially-just, not-for-profit college located on Kaurna Country in Woodville North, South Australia. At least 20 Indigenous students from Ngutu College will take part in a week-long intensive coding course this September, held on campus at 42 Adelaide. Ngutu College is renowned for its experiential learning environment, where Aboriginal?knowledge is?seamlessly integrated with the formal curriculum. The Indigi Code program will further this mission by offering students the opportunity to develop critical skills in web development, including CSS, JavaScript, and HTML. Students will also collaborate on a group project to build their own website, enhancing both individual and collective learning experiences.

Helen Slater MAICD, CEO of ABC Foundation, expressed her enthusiasm for the new program, stating, “We’re very excited to be in a position to fund this initiative, expanding our current footprint in On-Country education, into the digital space. We’re currently engaging Aboriginal students in remote and regional communities through bush classrooms, ranger education, and more recently offering bi-lingual On-Country teacher resource modules in schools. Indigi Code is one of the first digital education initiatives we are funding with the aim to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children build relevant skills supporting them in future job opportunities”

Louise Vidal (Nobes), CEO of KIK Innovation Ltd, echoed this sentiment, adding, “This offering aligns perfectly with our mission to be the Number 1 tech school in Australia for diversity and inclusion. We’re proud to offer this tuition-free, peer-to-peer learning experience to the college. Our aim will be to collaborate further with ABC Foundation and expand its support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students across Australia.?

Louise Mather from Ngutu College adds, “Ngutu College educators and learners were unsure how the 42 Adelaide Piscine experience would go –it is fair to say we were all nervous!

After the first morning, being immersed in the piscine process, learners were already sharing ideas and solving problems. The structure of the activities encourages peer to peer collaboration; “look to your right – your left” or “across the room” and ask for help. We all benefited by learning from each other.

At the end of day two, learners shared their positive experiences and success and were starting to plan their final Web designs to share on the final day.

The focus required was demanding but the adult learning environment encouraged learners to take breaks, have a game of chess, play with the Lego or virtual reality games- reset and refresh.

A big thanks to the 42 Adelaide Team – Melinda and Solange for their guidance and care.”

Louise Mather and Rachel Hamer, Ngutu College

The groundbreaking Coding Curriculum highlights:

·?????? 100% Practical: Students engage in hands-on coding activities.

·?????? 100% Project-Based: Learning is driven by real-world projects.

·?????? 100% Fun: A gamified curriculum ensures an engaging and enjoyable learning experience.

·?????? Key Skills: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and website development.

·?????? Collaborative Learning: A mix of individual and group projects encourages peer-to-peer learning and evaluation.

This is an unparalleled opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to gain valuable skills and knowledge in the digital space. To ensure more students can be supported by this program across Australia, ABC Foundation is eager to receive donations or funding support through its Future Fund, to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school children can participate in this program.?To find out more information on Indigi Code please contact [email protected]