Microsoft celebrates Hour of Code to build future-ready generations in Sri Lanka

• Launches program to equip students with digital skills required to thrive in digital world

As part of its ongoing support for Code.org’s Hour of Code Microsoft conducted a hour of code event at Temple Trees, with 200 students from all parts of Sri Lanka to encourage Sri Lankan youth to try and pursue computer science and get future ready. 

This is the third consecutive year that Microsoft is part of this global call to action for students to spend an hour learning the basics of coding, during Computer Science Education Week (4-10 December). The event brought together many partners who volunteered their time to help the young kids learn and hour of code.

Minister of Law and Order and Southern Development Sagala Ratnayake and County Manager Microsoft Sri Lanka Hasitha Abeywardana attended this ceremony.

Hour of Code is an opportunity for educators and institutions to let students experience the basics of coding through free tutorials conducted by partners. The movement started as a one-hour introductory activity to computer science and is designed to demystify “code”.

This is an important milestone in Microsoft’s push to help the next generation be future ready. Students today face a future workforce unlike that of any previous generation due to the advancement of technology. Students who gain knowledge in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) will have tremendous advantages as they embark in the increasingly digital world.

A new Minecraft Hour of Code tutorial heroes journey was launched in November to support this year’s Hour of Code activities, where educators, parents and students can spend an hour to learn about core coding concepts like loops, debugging, and functions, using a visual block-based editor.

Technology is transforming our society and economy at an unprecedented rate, putting new demands on our current workforce as well as on youth who will soon join that workforce. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, 65% of children who enter primary school today will work in completely new jobs that do not currently exist.

With the rising digital economy and the nonstop pace of technological evolution, Microsoft, together with our partners, has an imperative to prepare young people to pursue careers that are in demand. Beyond computing jobs, computer science education also provides critical skills that are now required in any field from music and fashion, to manufacturing, health c and transportation.

“Computer science is about much more than learning to code. It teaches creativity, computational thinking, analytical reasoning and complex problem solving — skills that are essential for the jobs of today and tomorrow,” said Hasitha Abeywardena, Country Manager, Microsoft Sri Lanka and Maldives. “From basic computer literacy to computer science education, digital skills can open the door to greater economic opportunities.”

“At Microsoft, we believe everyone should have the chance to experience the benefits of technology and to participate in the creation of the new digital economy. Together with like-minded partners, we are working towards a future where every person regardless of age, gender or background - has the skills and opportunity to succeed in the digital future,” he added.

To find out more about Microsoft Philanthropies’ initiatives in Asia, visit https://news.microsoft.com/apac/category/philanthropies-asia.

Pix by Pradeep Pathirana