On June 28, 2025, students from Türkiye, Thailand, and Mozambique gathered online—not just to compete, but to share their creativity and aspirations through code. The international programming competition, co-hosted by the Tzu Chi Foundation and the Coding Alliance, offered a rare opportunity for youth from diverse backgrounds to showcase their talents and connect with the world.
Overcoming Barriers, Creating Opportunities
For many participants, the journey to this virtual stage was filled with challenges. In Türkiye, students at Tzu Chi's El Menahil International School—established for Syrian refugee children—have been learning programming as a bridge to the wider world. Weekly classes using Scratch software allow them to build interactive games and animations, nurturing both technical skills and confidence.
Students at El Menahil International School in Türkiye (center) present their coding projects, made possible by donated computers. | Photo: Tzu Chi Foundation
Seventh-grader Muhammed shared, “I love programming and technology. That’s why I’m eager to learn.” For these students, coding is more than a subject—it’s a language of hope and possibility.
“Seeing students connect with the world through technology and realize their potential is truly remarkable,” said Nadya Chou (周如意), a Tzu Chi volunteer in Türkiye. Fellow volunteer Faisal Hu (胡光中) added, “This isn’t just about programming languages. It’s about writing a future, about building a path to independence and dreams.”
The school’s teachers expressed deep gratitude for the support of the ASUS Foundation, whose donation of computers made these opportunities possible. “Without computers, none of this could happen,” one teacher remarked.
Seeds of Growth in Thailand
Chiang Mai Tzu Chi School in Thailand has been nurturing young coders through winter camps and after-school clubs. These programs not only prepare students for competitions but also cultivate future mentors. In October 2024, Coding Alliance coach Mavis Feng (馮千芝) led a summer camp for 15 high school “seed” students, who in turn guided 50 local elementary students.
The camp was divided into teaching and activity teams, allowing students to play to their strengths—whether explaining concepts, editing videos, or leading group activities. This collaborative environment gave both younger and older students a chance to learn, teach, and grow together.
Innovation Amid Adversity in Mozambique
Mozambique’s students faced perhaps the steepest hurdles. Many lacked personal computers, and political unrest at the end of 2024 forced some to attend classes from home using mobile phones—if they had internet access at all. Volunteers translated English materials into Portuguese and used real-time translation tools to make lessons accessible. University students in Taiwan also joined as online mentors through the MozCodE Program, helping bridge the digital and linguistic divides.
Despite these obstacles, students at Mafambisse Secondary School—rebuilt by Tzu Chi after Cyclone Idai—were able to participate thanks to the school’s new computer lab. “In a city and school with no tradition of computer education, it’s moving to see local teachers, frontline volunteers, and online mentors open new horizons for African students,” said Tzu Chi volunteer Denise Tsai (蔡岱霖).
A Celebration of Creativity and Resilience
The competition’s judging panel praised the unique strengths of each group. Students from Türkiye impressed with their structured, team-based projects; Mozambican students moved judges with heartfelt storytelling and emotional depth; and Thai students demonstrated technical prowess and professional confidence.
Wen-Sheng Wang (王文生), Director of International Affairs at the Coding Alliance, reflected, “After discussions with Tzu Chi teachers, we realized that children can be more than learners—they can become sharers, giving back to others with what they’ve learned.”
Expanding Horizons, Inspiring Futures
For these young participants, the competition was more than a contest—it was a window to the world and a step toward self-reliance. Through the combined efforts of teachers, volunteers, and supporters, students in these three countries discovered not only the power of technology but also the joy of learning and sharing across borders.
Written by Tzu Chi Foundation, Coding Alliance, edited by TCnews International News Center
Source: 慈濟與科丁聯盟舉辦國際程式設計賽 拓展視野
