Learning to code in a community of practice in mozambique: The case of mozdevz

Abstract

In this paper, we present and analyze the current computer science educational environment in Mozambique and the relationship between the activities undertaken by the Mozambican developers’ community (MozDevz) and the objectives set on the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) policies of the local Government. Data was collected over a 2-month period and consisted of document analysis, semi-structured interviews as well as observations from two training sessions organized by the community and from public forums used by members on social media platforms. ICT initiatives deployed in the Education sector in Mozambique were mainly geared towards providing access to the internet and delivering computer skills to students, teachers, and school administrative personnel. However, the skills provided to students were not at par with job market requirements. In light of these circumstances, MozDevz emerges as an alternative to fill the gap between the focus of government initiatives and the job market demands for knowledgeable and qualified professionals, by providing an informal learning environment, guided by socially-aware values.