9th December 2024, Kathmandu
A national-level coding competition aimed at students from grades 2 to 9 concluded with great success, marking the second phase of the event.
National Coding Competition Concludes
The competition, organized by Nepal’s leading IT training provider, Durshiksha, in collaboration with Discovery Education Network UK and Edutech, saw 80 students physically participating, out of which 9 have been selected to represent Nepal at the Global Coding Competition scheduled to take place in February 2025 in the UK.
These selected students will now compete against participants from countries such as India, Hong Kong, the Middle East, the UK, the USA, Australia, and more.
Event Overview and Highlights:
The second phase of the competition was inaugurated by Dursikshya Education Network, a prominent IT expert, who emphasized the event’s role in fostering logical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and digital skills among children. He expressed confidence that this competition would encourage young minds to embrace digital technologies and boost their creativity.
Over 400 students submitted their projects online, from which 80 were selected for the physical competition. Krishna Pandey, CEO of Durshiksha, highlighted the exceptional quality of projects submitted by the students during this phase, showcasing their creativity and coding skills. He stated, “This competition not only enhances participants’ coding skills but also nurtures their ability to solve real-world problems, while offering them an opportunity to compete on a global stage.”
Categories and Projects:
The competition was divided into three categories:
Junior Block-Based Coding (Grades 2-4): Students worked on projects using block-based coding.
Senior Block-Based Coding (Grade 5): These students worked on more advanced block-based coding projects.
Python Coding (Grades 6-9): Students created projects using Python, tackling various themes.
The competition also featured the “Girls Who Code” campaign, which significantly increased female participation. According to Mina Aryal, Chairperson of ICT Frame, more than 50% of the participants in the second phase were female students.
Parental Feedback and Community Impact:
Parents expressed great pride in their children’s achievements and the opportunities provided by Durshiksha. One parent commented, “We are proud that our child had the chance to showcase their skills on such a large platform. We are grateful to Durshiksha for providing this opportunity.”
This competition is seen as a crucial step in developing children’s digital skills and offering them a pathway to careers in technology.
Students Selected for Global Competition:
Python Category (Grade 6-9):
Saral Thapaliya – Reliance International Academy, Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu
Romeo Adhikari – Shree Bhachchek Secondary School, Gorkha, Gorkha
Ansu Rijal – GEMS School, Dhapakhel, Lalitpur
Senior Category – Block Coding (Grade 5):
Shreyash Khadgi – Meridian International School, Baluwatar, Kathmandu
Sarwagya Gurung – John Dewey School, Kapan, Kathmandu
Shubham Ghimire – Rosebud School, Rudramati Marg, Kathmandu
Junior Category – Block Coding (Grade 2-4):
Sushovan Ghimire – Meridian International School, Baluwatar, Kathmandu
Yukita Maharjan – John Dewey School, Kapan, Kathmandu
Binayak Pangeni – The Excelsior School, Swyambhu, Kathmandu
Conclusion:
The National Coding Competition has made a significant contribution to the development of children’s problem-solving, creativity, and digital literacy. With nine students selected for the global competition, Nepal is set to showcase its talent on an international platform. This event also underscores the growing importance of coding and technology in shaping the future of young minds. Durshiksha’s initiative is a key step towards nurturing the next generation of coders and tech innovators.
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