Last Updated on by Swostika Shrestha
Nepal is gearing up for an exciting opportunity for young coders! The ‘Discovery Education, Edutech Coding Competition 2024’ is set to inspire and challenge students across the nation. This national coding competition, organized by Discovery Education Network UK in collaboration with Edutech, is designed to introduce children to the world of coding and technology. Dursikshya, a prominent IT training provider in Nepal, is partnering in this venture as the official training partner.
What Is the National Coding Competition All About?
The Discovery Education, Edutech Coding Competition 2024 is aimed at students from grades 2 to 9, encompassing ages 7 to 14. The competition is structured to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills through coding. Krishna Pandey, CEO of Dursikshya, highlights that this initiative is more than just a contest—it’s a steppingstone for students to enhance their cognitive abilities and engage with technology in a meaningful way.
The competition is supported by a range of notable organizations, including NPCERT, the Center for Cyber Security Research and Innovation, Rotary Club of Yala, OneCover Pvt. Ltd., ICT Frame.com, Tech Entrepreneurs Association Nepal, and Tech Bloggers. These partners are working together to ensure the success of the event and to provide a robust framework for participants.
How to Get Involved
For students eager to participate, the first step is to submit a project proposal online based on a specific theme provided by the competition organizers. Once the proposals are submitted, Dursikshya will offer free webinars through the Discovery Education Coding Platform. These webinars will guide participants on how to develop their projects and use coding effectively.
After receiving guidance, students will need to complete their projects and submit them online. The best submissions will then be selected for a physical competition event, where participants will have the chance to work closely with mentors and refine their projects based on feedback.
Prizes and Recognition
Participants who complete and submit their projects will receive a certificate of participation from the Discovery Education Network, along with a free one-year subscription to the coding platform.
The competition boasts significant prizes:
- Grand Prize: The top winner in Nepal will receive a tablet, NPR 50,000 in cash, and global exposure.
- Runner-Up: The second-place winner will receive NPR 25,000 and additional prizes.
Moreover, the Nepalese winner will have the opportunity to compete with students from India. Success in this round could lead to a chance to participate in the prestigious global competition organized by Discovery Education UK.
Why Coding Matters
Krishna Pandey underscores the importance of coding as a gateway to exploring technology and developing skills that are crucial for future career paths. Coding is not just about learning to program; it’s about building problem-solving skills, logical reasoning, and computational thinking.
Participants in the competition will gain hands-on experience with essential coding concepts such as algorithms, sequences, and variables. This experience will enhance their ability to think critically and solve problems creatively.
Competition Categories
The competition is divided into two main categories based on age groups and coding languages:
- Grades 2-5: Block-based Coding Competition
- Grades 6-9: Python Coding Competition
Students can participate either individually or in groups of up to three members. To secure a spot, students must complete their online registration by September 6. Register here.
Supporting Organizations and Their Views
Dursikshya’s Yalam Baidya emphasizes that this competition highlights Nepal’s capacity to develop world-class skills and talent.
Professor Dr. Subarna Shakya from CSRI believes that this competition will inspire children to solve problems through coding skills.
Former DIG of Nepal Police and NPCERT advisor Dr. Rajib Subba asserts that technical skills empower students, and such competitions shape their thinking and behavior.
Chiranjivi Adhikari, CEO of One Cover Pvt. Ltd., views the competition as a way to integrate Nepalese students with global technology trends, enhancing their competitiveness in the digital world.
Ritesh Ghimire, Founder of the Tech Bloggers Association of Nepal, sees this competition as a means to cultivate technical skills and prepare young minds for the IT industry.
Padamraj Pant, Founder Director of the Tech Entrepreneurs Association of Nepal, believes that early exposure to coding fosters entrepreneurial thinking and paves the way for future innovators.
Rotary Club of Yala’s Dr. Dinesh Lal Shrestha sees the competition as an opportunity for students to showcase their 21st-century skills and reveal their hidden talents.
Also, you may like
Top 5 YouTube channels to learn coding.
For more details and to register, visit Dursikshya’s competition page and click here to register.
