In this talk, a computer scientist and researcher shares how a simple honours project escalated into an impactful initiative overcoming barriers to coding and robotics in some of the most under-resourced areas in South Africa and across the African continent. This initiative teaches coding without the need for computers, electricity, or the internet, making it accessible to thousands of learners. By using engaging, unplugged coding activities, students learn essential skills while having fun.

This talk highlights the power of creativity and innovation to break down barriers and change the educational landscape across Africa, one game and one learner at a time. Prof Greyling is an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Computing Sciences at Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha. He is mainly involved in teaching and research related to programming at the undergrad and postgrad levels.

His main passion is making learners aware of the great career opportunities in computing. Since 2017, he has been coordinating the Tangible Africa coding project (mainly with the RANGERS and BOATS coding apps), introducing learners to coding without the use of computers. The project has reached over 100 000 learners across South Africa, training around 30 000 teachers in tangible and unplugged coding. It has also expanded to around 25 countries, with teachers being trained in 7 African countries as well as Ireland, Germany and Indonesia.

In April 2022, he received the Distinguished Service in ICT Award from the Institute of IT Professionals South Africa. The project has received various other local, national and global accolades. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx