Grooming future programers through coding.by Phuti Ragophala

 

I am Phuti Ragophala ,2023 Presidential Order of Baobab recipient ,Top 50 Global Teacher Prize

finalist, multi award winner ,former principal of Pula Madibogo Primary School in Mankweng

Polokwane Limpopo Province in South Africa. I served the department of education for more than

34 years as a teacher and later a school principal.

I retired but not relaxed. After realizing the challenges that my community children have, I decided

to lent a helping hand by turning my home into a learning space to accommodate community

children to further their studies using my technology gadgets, my wifi, my home library corner and

space to read, research and write their homework every Saturdays and school holidays.

My primary aim was to keep them away from the streets, but as time goes on, i discovered their

talents in digital literacy and reading. As such I introduced Coding using the Make Code Arcade,

TANKS, The Rangers and Scratch with the aim of grooming future programmers looking at the era

we are now.

The university of Johannesburg appointed me as a Teaching Associate and Creative coding facilitator

from 2019 to date under Education faculty after realizing my competency in teaching with

technology skills. I'm Microsoft Innovative Educator Fellow facilitating ICT training sessions to

global educators through webinars.

I'm also with Zibuza.net mentoring teachers on how to incorporate technology tools and

applications in teaching and learning to add more fun, flair and value in Education

I am the President of Rotary E-club of Baobab in South Africa where I’m driven by the principle of

service beyond self. Recently , I’m appointed as Assistant Ambassador for Girls Empowerment in District 9400 and also a country coordinator for District 9400 South Africa by Rotary International.

My ultimate aim is to see both community children and teacher students taking part in the

economy and building the world through job creation , job markets and taking part in economic

Sectors to grow wealth for all people through ICT in Education.