Mpumalanga Youth Code A Greener Future At #gkVacWork
The latest edition of the Geekulcha Vacation Work(gkVacWork) programme was hosted in Mpumalanga, Mashishing in Lydenburg at the Thaba Chweu Municipality from 27 November till the 1st of December. Throughout the week, the youngters got to learn how to code and build tech startups.
Powered by the Vulingqondo Innovation Hub, the programme edition was focused on "Integrated Green Economy". Youngsters had to come up with ideas of how they would help their community realize and transit into the Green Economy. A couple of Geeks from Geekulcha and Reacoda mentored the youngsters and taken them through a process of building tech solutions.
Young lady soldering parts of their project at #gkVacWork Mpumalanga. Always a great sight. We need to get more young ladies interested and get involved in the DIGITAL REVOLUTION @vulingqondo @raeketsetsa @CinaWood @jayshnaidoo @Geekulcha ✊🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/WKsAtmSiB0
— Tiyani Nghonyama (@TiyaniTee) November 29, 2017
Tis the season to Code!
Everyday, the VacWork started from 09:00 till 16:00 and youngsters would work on their startups building products/services. Mobile apps, websites and electronics systems were the products in development using open source tools such as Arduino and IBM Watson for IoT platform.
Each group was treated as a startup and 7 mini-companies were created during the programme. Up to 31 scholars took part with 42% female participation and a youngest participants being 11 years old.
Here are the top 3 winning solutions:
The judges judged the teams based on Innovation, Scalability, Market Potential and Presentation style of the projects.
Number 1 - TechnoElectro Idols: Smartgeyer System
We develop and market innovative connected devices and tailor-made solutions for the Internet of Things (IoT). Smartgey uses sensors to determine the temperature of the water inside the geysers. Users can also choose to set a limit of the amount of water they want to use per bath.
Demo: https://youtu.be/NWZxH_65gvg
Mmalehlohonolo Maidi(CEO), Dikupo Mkhabela(COO), Sipho Barendse(BA) and Bhekumuzi Vuma(BM)
Number 2 - WebWise: LYD Smart Info
This website will give you daily updates on the town affairs. We’ll help market upcoming project, new design's for young entrepreneur's by connecting them companies. Also focus on construction work giving skills for the unskilled and unemployed youth and give info on eco-friendly building materials for households.
Demo: https://youtu.be/AeIGUa9_QP8
Hellen Sibiya(CEO), Sthembiso Kgopane(COO), Thabisile Mathujwa(BA), Antony Vuma and Thabang Mahlangu(BA)
Number 3 - TechnoGen
Our application allows the customers to be informed when load shedding is experienced. Customers can check on the application regarding their daily,weekly and monthly usage of electricity. The user can get reward electricity points when using electricity wisely.
Demo: https://youtu.be/_PcQg1ThURc
Tshepo Mokhethea(CEO), Sharon Malebe(CFO), Abednego Mkhombo(BA) and Abednego Mkhombo(HM)
You can checkout all the projects and teams here.
It was not all code, there moments of fun and digesting on daily activities with mentors having to learn musical instruments.
We taught them how to code now they are teaching us music #gkVacWork #reacoda @Geekulcha @vulingqondo @skinnyshugo @4otune @TiyaniTee @CinaWood @mbodification pic.twitter.com/X5APytmIAc
— #1milreacodas2030 (@reacoda_code) November 28, 2017
A Debate was also hosted to engage and stimulate the youngster's minds with issues of social-relevancy. Two rounds of the debate focused on Government's efforts in ensuring a greener future and human effect on the acceleration of Global warming.
Winners of the debate
The VacWork programme is open to youngsters and they may apply on future.geekulcha.com. Mpumalanga VacWork was a blast, checkout all the photos here:
