Scratch Software is a free object-oriented software development kit targeted at children for the creation of interactive stories, games animation and music without the prior knowledge of specific programming languages. Scratch is maintained by the Lifelong Kindergarten group at the MIT Media Lab. It features an online community that encourages collaboration amongst young programmers. Scratch is made up of a script, paint and sound editor.
The Scratch software, which was launched January 2, 2019 was translated into 48 languages, two of them are indigenous African languages; isiZulu and Amharic.
The Software was translated into isiZulu a South African local language by eThekwini based NPO codemakers. This has made it possible for isiZulu speakers to learn coding for free through the Scratch software used by millions over the world.
The codemakers achieved this with the help of volunteers and codemaker learners from Umkhumbane Secondary School in Chesterville Durban.
Scratch Software lets children from the age of 7 learn logic and power of computer coding. The scratch software is the basic coding concepts taught in Secondary and University levels before progressing to complex coding languages.
Justin Yarrow the Codemakers founder said he was motivated to translate Scratch in order to make coding accessible to more South Africans.
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“Our motivation for translating Scratch was to make coding education more accessible to more south Africans. We want young people to know that they have the power to create and that they can share their stories and experiences with the wilder world.” He added.
Prior to now the codemakers had taught Scratch in primary and secondary schools in eThekwini since 2015 to students; and the learners had been able to create projects on topics like; Heritage Month, Nelson Mandela’s Centenary and HIV/AIDS awareness which have been displayed at the KZNSA art gallery.
Justin Yarrow also said “Learning to code develops many different skill: login, problem solving, creativity, experimentation, confidence and collaboration.” He went on to say “many of the learners will not go on to become software engineers but they develop skills, intrests and approaches to learning that they can use throughout their schooling and life.
The latest Version of Scratch (Scratch 3.0) is available offline and online, this makes it flexible for people to access anywhere.
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