In Lebanon, poverty has denied more than 30% of children access to quality education, trapping generations in an inescapable cycle. CodeBrave aims to disrupt this status quo by equipping youth with coding and tech skills to unlock their potential and agency to build better futures. Since its establishment in 2018, CodeBrave has partnered with community organizations across Lebanon to deliver TechEd classes to more than 1,500 vulnerable students aged 5-18.

The Impact of CodeBrave’s Curriculum and Partnerships

The curriculum strategically builds creative confidence and skills in addressing challenges via project-based learning. Students bring their interests and passions to the table, designing games, developing solutions for global agriculture or accessibility challenges and more based on what drives them. Divided across three age groups, the program systematically develops skills to prepare even the youngest minds for more advanced coding and robotics in the future. The foundation established in this program serves as a precursor to more specialized training, such as the two-week Web and Robotics Camp hosted by CodeBrave in the summer of 2022.

The Malala Fund and the Lebanon Family Planning Association for Sustainable Development (LFPA) partnered with CodeBrave to host a camp in Sour, Lebanon, welcoming 100 youth aged 12-18 from the city and surrounding areas. Students opted into one of two tracks. Younger participants delved into programming health Fitbits using Arduino boards and sensors, alongside exploring Agri-tech solutions to global challenges. Meanwhile, older students embarked on a project wherein they researched challenges in their local community, devised innovative tech solutions and designed their website. Camp results were resoundingly positive, with 98% of participants reporting increased confidence in coding abilities. Additionally, there were substantial improvements in technological literacy and roughly 95% self-reported significant enhancements in soft skills such as creativity, communication and problem-solving. The sheer fun and collaborative environment shone through with a 100% student enjoyment rating.

Supporting Psychological Safety and Trauma-Informed Education

CodeBrave is distinctly intentional about promoting psychological safety in its programs, given the trauma burdens facing many refugees and vulnerable Lebanese youth. Teachers receive dedicated training in trauma-informed educational practices to nurture each child’s unique potential. In addition, the organization has established a tech education project at Dar Al Awlad residential shelter and school in Beit Mery, a town in Lebanon, teaching approximately 50 students aged 11-18 two coding classes weekly. Dar Al Awlad is a nonprofit initiative providing accommodation for up to 32 Syrian and Lebanese youth severely affected by conflict in the area. Reigniting the innate love of learning in students dealing with trauma and instability takes special care and skill – this is at the heart of the CodeBrave approach.

Empowering Youth Through Scholarships and Entrepreneurship

CodeBrave also runs an annual scholarship program for youth aged 14-18, supporting them to advance their skills. In the most recent cohort, 20 scholars constructed websites, developed gaming applications, crafted professional portfolios showcasing their talents and benefitted from one-on-one mentoring in design, coding and entrepreneurship. Several secured competitive internships at tech firms and even founded their own enterprises post-graduation. The open-ended nature of the program enabled highly motivated teens to customize their experience based on personal objectives – whether launching startups, progressing to higher education or charting their vision as changemakers.

CodeBrave’s Continuing Journey

In just five years, CodeBrave has made a profound impact in Lebanon, reaching over 1,500 youth and delivering more than 50,000 teaching hours. With 53% of its participants being young women and girls, CodeBrave is contributing to diversity in the tech sector. The organization continues to lead the way in tech education, equipping children with more than just coding skills. By fostering creativity, confidence, and problem-solving abilities, CodeBrave nurtures the agency of youth to carve out their destinies and become architects of their futures.

-Haniya Rahman
Photo: Flickr