When we started the Equitable Creative Coding Resource (ECCR) initiative, our goal felt both simple and ambitious: to empower teachers with the skills and confidence to bring Scratch programming into their classrooms.
Looking back now, it’s clear that this journey has been more than just coding lessons or digital literacy. It’s been a story of growth, resilience, and unexpected discovery, not just for the educators we worked with, but for me too.
How it Began
I remember those early days of our first training academies in Bokoli and Sikhendu Zones– rooms buzzing with teachers, many of whom were encountering Scratch for the first time. There was curiosity, excitement, and of course, a little apprehension.
“How can we use this in our classrooms?” A teacher asked.
“What’s the relevance of coding in education?” Another was concerned.
We explored the Creative Learning Spiral, broke down concepts into unplugged activities, and engaged in hands-on Scratch projects in an attempt to address these concerns. I watched educators who were once uncertain begin to design interactive lessons through animations and problem-solving activities.
One of the most inspiring moments I had was when some of the teachers began applying what they learnt beyond our training academies. ECCR isn’t just about Scratch. It is about encouraging teachers to become problem solvers rather than passive recipients, fostering collaboration through teacher-led Communities of Practice (COPs), and shifting the mindset from seeing technology as difficult to embracing it as empowering.
The monthly webinars and online course further deepened engagement, allowing teachers to explore Scratch basics, advanced animations, and interactive lesson planning. Today, I am happy that these teachers have already begun teaching Scratch as per the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
The Challenges That Shaped Us
Of course, this journey has had its share of challenges. I encountered limited digital access in some areas, and balancing training with tight school schedules was challenging. Additionally, addressing the varying levels of digital literacy among teachers required adaptability. What stood out to me most wasn’t the difficulty; it was the resilience of the educators.
They learned, practised, asked questions, and created. Watching their commitment unfold inspired me more than I can say. If this experience has taught me anything, it’s this: support systems matter. For me, ECCR has never been just about training, it’s been about building a space where teachers feel supported, encouraged, and equipped to grow in the digital learning space.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Impact
As we prepare for the next Academy, I am certain that this is just the beginning. The Introduction to Programming with Scratch Course and all ECCR resources will remain open to teachers worldwide, ensuring that the impact continues to grow.
More than anything, the ECCR journey has reaffirmed a simple truth:
When we invest in teachers, we invest in a future of empowered learners, creative thinkers, and problem-solvers.
To every educator who has been part of this journey, thank you. Your dedication, curiosity, and commitment are what make this work meaningful. Let’s keep learning, coding, and transforming classrooms together!
Learn more about our ECCR project and see our progress so far.
Written by Lazarus Muthenya, Programmes Manager, Edutab Africa .