Qwasar Silicon Valley, a leader in training advanced technical talent in software-related roles, is partnering with JFN Institute of Technology in Cameroon to drive groundbreaking programs to grow digital talent in Africa. The partnership sees the launch of programs focused on skills-based programs training talent to Silicon Valley standards in software engineering, full stack development, and data science, with opportunities to expand into Cloud/DevOps and AI/machine learning.
The program provides an opportunity to develop strong technical talent for the region at scale and is part of an initiative in Cameroon enabling diverse groups of learners to train in technical areas. Combining skills-based education in digital subjects with local expertise is a significant step towards bringing growth and prosperity to the region, particularly as the world’s economy becomes more digital and geographic boundaries blur in the working world. From the Innovation Director Laurent Kaczmarek, “To not miss this historic opportunity for Africa, JFN Institute of Technology, Digital Campus in Douala, Cameroon has partnered with Qwasar Silicon Valley to offer premium IT development learning programs. Learners are virtually immersed in a global community of coders, and training so standards used at the world's largest tech companies.”
Developing Tech Talent in West-Central Africa
The first cohort of the JFN-Qwasar program, which launched earlier this year, was comprised of 25 students based in Cameroon. JFN plans to train 500 students per year in Central Africa with the ultimate goal of establishing a skills hub in Africa by 2030.
JFN-IT's program in partnership with Qwasar is a new type of coding school now available in Africa that offers training to develop both hard technical skills and mandatory soft skills expected of developers today. The programs are arguably the best opportunity in the region for anyone looking to become a software engineer at international standards, whether they want to work for a large tech company or have a significant impact on the African tech scene.
The partnership is of particular importance for developing tech talent in West-Central Africa because it provides and enables communities with skills-based educational opportunities for future jobs. It provides an affordable and accessible education to anyone seeking employment and career opportunities in the digital economy - something that is not widely available across the region or the continent.
Given the depth of Qwasar's curricula, the level that they train to, opportunities abound for those looking to develop necessary skills for technical, digital jobs as well as for those who already have some coding or IT experience. With a strong focus on mastery and developing real, measurable and proven technical skills, the JFN-IT program is a chance to open doors to careers in tech or to enhance digital skills required for entry and mid-level tech jobs.
Qwasar Expands Partnerships in Africa
This partnership creates opportunities for learners in West-Central Africa, an area in which Qwasar is only just beginning to operate. Qwasar has been dedicated to providing tech training opportunities to a diverse group of learners from the day the company was founded, and understand the need for affordable, scalable and skills-based training programs in technical areas in Africa and globally. Training to international standards, to Silicon Valley standards even, means providing a tangible opportunity for learners today to develop skills for the next generation of jobs, and for the next generation of digital companies that will shape the future of Africa. The standards that Qwasar programs train to are far beyond the level of other programs. Qwasar co-founder Kwame Yamgnane notes, “This partnership allows students from another part of the world to gain access to a high quality technical education with support from the JFN-IT school. We are so excited to see the growth within the Cameroon community through program graduates.”
JTN-IT Implements Innovative Technical Training Model
Rather than employing teachers to deliver knowledge with minimal coding opportunities, the program uses innovative learning methods and includes common industry practices such as “stand ups”, coding collaboration and pair programming sessions. The program follows the Qwasar curriculum implemented through project-based learning and competency–based education.
The cohort-style learning allows students to network and work with others as needed. They learn and develop soft skills of communication and teamwork through collaboration. Students are dedicated to their success and will often spend time online, either completing coding projects or working with their peers, throughout all hours of the night.
Students reported positive feedback from the program so far and realized that with hard work and passion, they are able to work through technical challenges and master the concepts. Dounoupetipa Cahethel Anais, a student from the recent cohort mentions, “I can say the Dounoupetipa from now and that from before Qwasar are quite different. I’m skilled up.” Dounoupetipa Cahethel Anais interviewed can be found in the JFN online journal. As noted by Laurent Kaczmarek, “Thanks to the active learning pedagogy, the candidates develop skills in an effective and concrete way by coding real projects. At the end of their training, students are true "Software Engineers'' fully equipped to face the technological challenges that will shape the world of tomorrow with international credibility.”
Requirements for the Program
The program is open to all individuals aged 18 and older, with no previous coding experience or background in software engineering required. In order for students to succeed, they will need to be passionate and motivated to work hard in the program. Commitment and dedication to learning is directly correlated with success and achievements in this style of learning.
The next start dates for the program are in June 2022. For those interested in joining the JFN program or want to learn more, please visit: https://jfn-it.com/nos-ecoles/9-ecole-de-code
About JFN-IT
JFN-IT (Jacky Felly Nafack Institute of Technology) is located in Douala, Cameroon and has an enrollment of 250 students, with 1,500 expected in 2025 and 5,000 expected in 2030. It is a new private higher education institution that offers programs in French and English. The mission of JFN-IT is to, “Provide students with managerial and leadership skills that precisely match the expectations of the national and international market. Develop and support excellence in Cameroonian higher education, particularly in the fields of Science and Technology. Train an engaged and creative student generation of leading citizens and entrepreneurial leaders exerting influence on the development of organizations.” JFN-IT works with many partners to provide the highest quality technical education in Africa. JFN-IT is the first African private university to provide Google Cloud Career Readiness program.
The Innovation Director for JFN, Laurent Kaczmarek notes, “The world today is digital and will be more and more so. During this decade the population of developers will at least double in the world to reach an estimated number of 45 million. Transactions that were previously performed by humans will increasingly be automated. One thing to remember from this profound evolution: It is estimated that 85% of the jobs in 2030 do not yet exist today.”
