AWS has collaborated with Leading tech NPO, GirlCode to balance the scales. GirlCodes’ mission is to bridge the gender skills gap in tech by providing a digital learning and growth hub for young girls who want to get into tech. Completely online and completely free, what started as a hackathon for women in 2014, GirlCode now boasts 3 online courses to bolster various tech skills – one of which is the AWS Cloud Practitioner course.
An eight week bespoke cloud boot camp was developed to prepare the participants to take the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam and provide them with the technical and soft skills needed to successfully enter the job market. The participants accessed the program via video tutorials created by the GirlCode team. They learned about AWS cloud concepts, services, security, architecture and support to prepare them for the exam, and created connections with other learners through an online community discussion board.
AWS develop programs like this to ensure accessibility to emerging technology training and certification amidst the challenges our young people face in South Africa to ensure they are able to take one step closer to employability.
As the world moves toward a cloud-centric economy, GirlCode CEO Zandile Mkwanazi says GirlCode began collaborating with Amazon Web Services (AWS) – the world’s largest cloud services provider.
This programme has been accentuated and accelerated even further with the SHE Dares programme. Powered by Standard Bank and AWS, the SHE Dares Cloud Practitioner Journey challenges women all over South Africa to earn the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification.
“Getting this certification means you can validate your cloud fluency with an industry-recognised credential from AWS and highlight your overall understanding of the AWS Cloud—with our support every step of the way,” says Mkwanazi.
20 year old Ayanda Sibanyoni is one of the graduates who joined the first cohort to complete the AWS. “ Getting started with a program was a walk in the park because our facilitators made sure we had all the resources and support necessary to be successful. The ladies in our cohort shared a common goal and provided each other with both technical and emotional support.
The AWS skills builder was the program’s standout feature because it was simple to use and had modules that accommodated everyone. I was terrified before beginning the program because I didn’t understand what cloud computing was all about.
The study materials made studying easy and interesting. They used day-to-day examples in order for us to relate to the topics and understand the fundamentals of cloud computing. As I went through the modules, I started to understand how cloud computing works and the potential it has to improve and expand businesses”
Learn more about GirlCode, and SHE Dares Cloud Practitioner Journey and ask yourself – how can you shape the future for South African women in tech?
