NAIROBI, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Pauline Wahura's public school, nestled in the rolling plains of Kenya's southern Kajiado County, may seem unnoticeable at first glance. Yet, it has become a thriving hub for nurturing the next generation of coders.

In 2024, Wahura, a 15-year-old Grade Nine student, enrolled in a coding program at the school. The initiative is supported by CODEMAO, a Chinese online education platform, in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

With her energy and enthusiasm palpable, Wahura now spends most of her free time with a sleek tablet in hand, diving deep into the world of coding that has the potential to spark groundbreaking innovations.

"I just want to know more about gaming and how they were created ... the graphics ... hence the decision to plunge myself in coding," Wahura said on the sidelines of the launch of the second phase of the CODEMAO-UNESCO youth coding initiative for Kenya, held Thursday in the capital, Nairobi.

Wahura's interest in coding was partly self-driven but also encouraged by her mother, siblings and teachers, who highlighted its potential in shaping her future.

Thanks to her commitment, Wahura has emerged as one of four outstanding students nationwide selected for a study tour of Shenzhen, a major tech hub in southeastern China, scheduled for July 9 to 16.

During the weeklong tour, Wahura, her three peers and a teacher will visit technology companies, explore Chinese culture, and learn about the latest developments in coding and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

"I feel really good because it is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to travel out of the country and experience China, and meet new people. I look forward to learning more of what I am invested in, which is gaming," Wahura said.

Dressed in a maroon blazer, white shirt and grey trousers, Jadiel Korir, also a 15-year-old Grade Nine student, said his fascination with coding began about a year ago, inspired by his cousin, a cybersecurity expert.

Korir said that coding could help him develop innovations capable of transforming society, noting that he is eager to learn more about AI while in China.

"I enjoy coding, which is a good career to pursue. You can learn a lot of things and help our society develop. My career dream is cybersecurity, to help people protect data," Korir said.

Kenya is among several African countries, including Namibia, Cote d'Ivoire and the Republic of the Congo, that have benefited from the CODEMAO-UNESCO youth coding initiative.

James Njogu, the acting secretary-general and chief executive officer of the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO, said empowering young people with coding and AI skills is essential to building an inclusive digital economy.

"Digital literacy among the youth is a fundamental pillar for shaping a future where innovations thrive and an opportunity to prosper is available to all citizens," Njogu said.

At 16, Collins Okwoyo has already impressed teachers and peers alike with his growing passion for coding. A Grade Nine student at a public school in Nairobi's southeastern industrial belt, Okwoyo was introduced to computer programming in Grade One. His skills later evolved through the CODEMAO-UNESCO initiative.

"To my fellow youngsters, I would like to tell them that coding is fun. I look forward to becoming a software engineer, lending my skills to boost the growth of the digital economy in the country," Okwoyo said.

Looking ahead to the study tour, Okwoyo said he is eager to broaden his coding and AI knowledge while engaging in cultural exchange and learning more about China.

Faith Wanjiru, a junior secondary school teacher, said the CODEMAO-UNESCO youth coding initiative has equipped students with the tools to improve digital literacy and awaken their innovative spirit.

Proficiency in coding and AI has enhanced research, made learning more interactive and enjoyable, and is helping shape the next generation of technology leaders in Kenya, Wanjiru said. ■