World Programmers Day, celebrated annually on September 13th (or September 12th during leap years), originated in Russia in 2009. This day honors the brilliant minds dedicated to developing the software and systems that power our daily lives. The date is significant in the programming world, as it marks the 256th day of the year – a number representing the distinct values that can be represented with an eight-bit byte.
In celebration of the day, @iLabAfrica- Strathmore University proudly graduated its second cohort of software development students for 2024, empowering a new generation of programmers ready to make their mark in the tech industry. Launched in March 2021, this intensive four-month program offers rigorous front-end and back-end development training. Participants learn essential skills to design, develop, test, and maintain robust web and mobile applications, using various programming languages like Java, Python, JavaScript, HTML, and PHP.
According to the e-Conomy Africa 2020 report by Google and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Africa boasts approximately 690,000 software developers. Over half of these professionals are concentrated in five countries: Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, and South Africa. Kenya, in particular, stands out with nearly 60,000 software developers, 43% of whom are under 24 years old and university-trained. @iLabAfrica’s Full-stack Software Development course is contributing to Kenya’s growing numbers with nearly 500 budding programmers completing this transformative program.
The graduation ceremony kicked off with remarks from the program coordinator, Ivan Bunyali, who praised the graduates for their perseverance and accomplishments. “It’s been a long journey. We started with 46 students, and despite some challenges along the way, you have persisted,” he said, commending them for their commitment and the valuable connections they made, some of which led to job opportunities even before completing the program.
Class representatives expressed gratitude to their instructors for their unwavering support, with one representative, Giwe Ade, singling out Mr. Bunyali as a key motivator. He urged his fellow graduates to consider ‘technopreneurship’ and use their skills to start their ventures. “Employment is great, but don’t forget that you have everything you need to venture out on your own,” he advised.
Martha Wambui, another class representative, encouraged her peers to continue honing their skills beyond the three-month course. “This is just the beginning. It shouldn’t be the end of your software development journey,” she said.
The graduates with their beloved coordinator Mr.Ivan (center)
Boniface Musila, a trainer at @iLabAfrica, lauded the students for their forward-thinking projects. “It’s rewarding as a trainer to see students develop projects that are futuristic and can truly transform lives. Some of your work is ready to be pitched and should definitely appear on your CVs,” he noted. He emphasized the importance of continuous learning in programming, urging the graduates to stay curious and keep up with the ever-evolving tech landscape.
Several standout projects were showcased during the ceremony, including:
- Abdiawal Aden’s Electronics App: An e-commerce application enabling users to buy electronic devices like TVs, laptops, and mobile phones through a user-friendly platform. The app includes an admin dashboard for product management and integrates payment gateways like Stripe and Safaricom’s Daraja.
- Banny Cheruto’s BloomBox: A flower delivery app connecting users with local florists, allowing customers to order customized bouquets and include add-ons like chocolates or wine. Florists can manage their inventory, while users enjoy flexible payment options like M-Pesa and credit cards.
- Baraka Jenas’ Home: A web application simplifying the process of buying, selling, or renting homes, with options to either sell independently or through an agent. The app features intuitive filters for buyers and a dedicated section for real estate agents.
Ann Chemutai, the Senior Software Developer and Trainer challenged the graduates to strengthen their back-end development skills to complement their impressive front-end work. “While your front-end skills are strong, it’s crucial to master the back-end as well,” she advised.
Lorna Mutegi, Senior Manager of Executive Education, echoed Mr. Bunyali’s sentiments, adding that some of the projects showcased had the potential to become startups. She also announced an upcoming Linux adninistor + DevSecOps program launching in 2025, designed to provide additional training to graduates. “The skills you’ve acquired are a gateway to endless possibilities. You now have the power to solve problems and innovate. Take that power into the marketplace and prosper,” she urged.
Dr.Lorna (left) with a graduate
The graduation of new, ambitious programmers on Programmers’ Day truly elevates the significance of this occasion. It symbolizes the culmination of their hard work and the promise of innovation and creativity that these young minds bring to the tech landscape. As they step into the world, they are empowered to craft solutions that enhance our daily lives, embodying the spirit of collaboration and progress that defines this special day.
The Full Stack Software Development course is a four-month intensive certification program that provides comprehensive training in both front-end and back-end development ensuring that by the end, students can design and develop fully-fledged websites and mobile applications in multiple programming languages such as DevSecOps, Javascript, UX/UI, Python, HTML, and many others.
To enroll for the upcoming intake, visit: https://ilabafrica.strathmore.edu/software-development-certificate/
Written by: Ajuna Lindah