Global technology company, Lenovo, recognizes the importance of empowering youth and actively collaborates with partners to create opportunities and support the development of young people in South Africa.

Lenovo hosted the "Youth Code Your Future" event in collaboration with Social Coding SA, Women in Vision, and Vuleka SSB High School. The engagement brought together 70 unemployed youth for a day of coding, mentorship, and career development.

Lenovo’s collaboration with educational institutions to develop and implement initiatives that enhance technology access and digital literacy among students, encapsulates their commitment to enhancing people's lives through innovative, inclusive, and accessible technology solutions.

Inspiring future generations

Through the ‘Youth Code Your Future’ Lenovo aims to equip young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in a technology-driven world.

"The youth are a significant asset in the development of South Africa’s economy, and it is our responsibility to invest in them and provide them with opportunities to succeed," said Jane Govindsamy, Women in Lenovo Leadership Ambassador at Lenovo, Southern Africa. "By providing access to knowledge development, personal development training, and programs, we hope to provide the relevant skills and resource needed for them to take control of their future.”

Lenovo together with other industry experts, enabled young people to connect with professionals to provide guidance, valuable insights, and support for them to better navigate their educational and career paths.

In attendance was industry professionals from Microsoft, Sumo Technologies, My Mobile ZA and more.

“Lenovo is trusted partner for education organization. We’re committed to driving a revolution in the STEM fields, collaborating with significant partners, to provide solutions that help transform static educational systems into dynamic environments for lifelong learning, and a progressive economy,” adds Govindsamy.

Smarter technology for all

Lenovo aims to create technology that is intelligent, intuitive, and capable of transforming the way we live, work, and interact with the world. The tech brand strives to develop products and services that leverage cutting-edge advancements in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and Internet of Things (IoT) to deliver smarter solutions.

Lenovo’s mission to drive accessibility and inclusion has seen the organization develop and expand digital inclusion programs that aim to bridge the digital divide, making technology accessible to all individuals, regardless of their geographical location, socio-economic background, or abilities. The tech brand recognizes the importance of education and ensures that everyone can benefit from the latest technological advancements.

Over the years Lenovo has forged partnerships with non-profits and organizations that focus on improving technology access for marginalized communities. By working with relevant partners, Lenovo leveraged its expertise and resources to support these organizations' initiatives and amplify their impact.

Supporting STEM education programs

South Africa, like many other countries, faces skills shortages in STEM-related fields. There is a growing demand for professionals in areas such as engineering, computer science, data analytics, and biotechnology. By addressing skills shortages in STEM education through events like “Youth Code Your Future”, Lenovo empowers organizations to inspire and educate the youth, including girls, to ensure a sustainable supply of skilled workers to meet the needs of various industries. This, in turn, leads to increased competitiveness and growth in sectors driving technological advancements.

By equipping young learners with an understanding of sustainable practices and the tools to develop environmentally friendly technologies, the country can foster a generation of responsible citizens who are committed to addressing pressing socioeconomic challenges. STEM education empowers youth to become agents of change in building a sustainable future.

“In many African countries, there is a significant gender disparity in STEM fields, including technology-related careers. Girls and women are often underrepresented in these fields,” says Govindsamy. “By prioritizing STEM education, we can unlock the potential of youth and pave the way for a prosperous, technologically advanced future,” she concludes.