Orientations Training Centre: Sparking curiosity about coding

Orientations Training Centre, a Code Club global partner based in Sudan and currently working in Egypt, is a non-profit organisation whose mission is to equip young people with the programming skills needed for future careers. It also aims to inspire them to be innovative, creative problem-solvers through technology.

Ruhee Shah, Global Partnerships Coordinator at the Raspberry Pi Foundation, spoke to Abdelmoneim Mohammed, CEO of the Orientations Training Centre, about how Code Club empowers young people to consider a future career in which technology plays a big role.

Learning through doing

The Orientations Training Centre launched its first Code Club in 2021 and has since grown rapidly to include over 450 active members. The programme is delivered in various ways, from hosting sessions for Sudanese students at the Orientations Training Centre in Cairo, Egypt, to running sessions in Khartoum, Sudan, and offering regular online sessions. The organisation’s success is rooted in its hands-on, project-based learning approach, which aligns with their philosophy of learning through doing, as well as teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking.

“We’ve seen tremendous growth in confidence, logical thinking, and collaboration among our students. Many have developed a strong sense of leadership and curiosity about how technology can improve their communities.”
– Abdelmoneim Mohammed, CEO of Orientations Training Centre

What young people enjoy most is the freedom to create games and digital stories to tackle real-world problems like health awareness and recycling, demonstrating their understanding of coding as a powerful tool to make a real difference in people’s lives.

“I learned that coding is not just about computers – it’s about solving problems and helping people.”

– Yasmin, Code Club creator

A path to opportunity

Beyond Code Club, students have gone on to lead their own school STEM clubs, participate in international competitions, and even mentor younger learners, proving coding can unlock opportunities beyond programming.

“In our community, computing education represents a path to opportunity. It helps young people see themselves as creators, not just consumers of technology, and equips them with skills essential for future careers and innovation.”

“In our community, computing education represents a path to opportunity. It helps young people see themselves as creators, not just consumers of technology, and equips them with skills essential for future careers and innovation.”

– Abdelmoneim Mohammed, CEO of Orientations Training Centre

Hundreds of young creators have been empowered to develop digital solutions that address real-world problems. Students have represented Sudan in international innovation and robotics competitions, winning awards in Coolest Projects and the Codeavour AI and Robotics Competition.

“Code Club makes me feel like I can build anything I imagine.” 

– Abdelrhman, Code Club creator

Overcoming challenges

Despite the current humanitarian crisis in Sudan, Abdelmoneim continues to persevere. Through virtual learning, strategic partnerships, and a dedicated team, he has ensured engaging and impactful sessions continue to be delivered to all his Code Club students, regardless of where they are currently based.

“Start small but dream big. A Code Club can change lives – not just by teaching coding but by nurturing problem-solvers, innovators, and leaders for the future.”

– Abdelmoneim Mohammed, CEO of Orientations Training Centre

Interested in running your own Code Club? Find out more on how to get started.