This summer, we had a truly special opportunity to teach Python and Machine Learning to students at E3empower in Tanzania. Even though we were miles apart, their excitement and eagerness to learn coding reached us across the screen. We couldn’t meet in person, but their passion made every session feel close and connected.
For the first two weeks, we focused on the basics of Python. The students learned about data types, loops, and functions—concepts that form the foundation of programming. As they worked through exercises, solved CodingBat problems, and completed Sololearn courses as homework, we could see their confidence grow. Many of them even earned Sololearn Python certificates, a milestone that made them feel proud of their progress.
Once they had a solid grasp of the basics, we moved on to hands-on Python projects. The students built fun programs like a rock-paper-scissors game, a music player, a number guessing game, a scientific calculator, and a hangman game. Watching them turn simple lines of code into real, working projects was incredible. With every success, their excitement grew, and so did their belief in what they could achieve.
Next, we took a step into the world of Machine Learning. We started with Google Teachable Machine, where students trained their own models to produce desired outcomes. Then, we introduced Google Colab and showed them how to work with datasets, training models to make predictions. It was challenging at first, but as they started to understand how Machine Learning could be applied to real-world problems, they became more engaged. On the final day, we discussed how AI and Machine Learning could be used to solve issues in Africa. It was amazing to see the students think beyond just coding and imagine how technology could make a difference in their own communities.
Although our time together was short, none of us wanted the class to end. The students wrote heartfelt goodbye messages, sharing how much they had learned and how grateful they were. Even though we had only met through a screen, the moments we spent learning, laughing, and growing together were truly meaningful.
But the impact didn’t stop there. After completing the Python and Machine Learning classes, these students started teaching younger kids at the E3empower center, passing on what they had learned. Another organization has also started working with them on web development. Thanks to their hard work and enthusiasm, new opportunities are opening up, and they are continuing to expand their knowledge in computer science. What started as a simple coding class has now become a growing ripple effect, inspiring more and more students to explore the world of technology.
For the first two weeks, we focused on the basics of Python. The students learned about data types, loops, and functions—concepts that form the foundation of programming. As they worked through exercises, solved CodingBat problems, and completed Sololearn courses as homework, we could see their confidence grow. Many of them even earned Sololearn Python certificates, a milestone that made them feel proud of their progress.
Once they had a solid grasp of the basics, we moved on to hands-on Python projects. The students built fun programs like a rock-paper-scissors game, a music player, a number guessing game, a scientific calculator, and a hangman game. Watching them turn simple lines of code into real, working projects was incredible. With every success, their excitement grew, and so did their belief in what they could achieve.
Next, we took a step into the world of Machine Learning. We started with Google Teachable Machine, where students trained their own models to produce desired outcomes. Then, we introduced Google Colab and showed them how to work with datasets, training models to make predictions. It was challenging at first, but as they started to understand how Machine Learning could be applied to real-world problems, they became more engaged. On the final day, we discussed how AI and Machine Learning could be used to solve issues in Africa. It was amazing to see the students think beyond just coding and imagine how technology could make a difference in their own communities.
Although our time together was short, none of us wanted the class to end. The students wrote heartfelt goodbye messages, sharing how much they had learned and how grateful they were. Even though we had only met through a screen, the moments we spent learning, laughing, and growing together were truly meaningful.
But the impact didn’t stop there. After completing the Python and Machine Learning classes, these students started teaching younger kids at the E3empower center, passing on what they had learned. Another organization has also started working with them on web development. Thanks to their hard work and enthusiasm, new opportunities are opening up, and they are continuing to expand their knowledge in computer science. What started as a simple coding class has now become a growing ripple effect, inspiring more and more students to explore the world of technology.