IT For Youth Ghana · Hno. L529, Gecko Street, Kwabenya-Musuku, Accra · +233 596 244 834 · info@itforyouthghana.org

Beginner · In-person

Creative Coding for Teens

An accessible first step for younger learners exploring technology through creativity and teamwork.

Explain how programs follow instructions in sequence
Use loops, events and conditions to make things happen
Create animations and interactive games in Scratch
Work in a team to plan, build and test a project

Scratch
Block-based coding
Logic and sequencing
Loops and events
Simple animation and games
Teamwork
Introduction to Python

Overview

A youth-friendly route into problem solving, design confidence, and digital expression through guided projects.

Skills and tools

Scratch
Block-based coding
Logic and sequencing
Loops and events
Simple animation and games
Teamwork
Introduction to Python

What you’ll learn

By the end of the course you will be able to:

Explain how programs follow instructions in sequence
Use loops, events and conditions to make things happen
Create animations and interactive games in Scratch
Work in a team to plan, build and test a project
Write a first simple program in Python

Who it’s for

Teenagers aged 12 to 17 who are curious about technology, games and making things, with or without any coding experience.

Before you start

Aged 12 to 17
No coding experience needed

What you’ll need

Computers are provided at our lab
Parent or guardian consent
About 3 hours a week (one Saturday session)

Syllabus

5 modules · 24 hours of guided learning

Module 1Welcome to coding3 h
How computers follow instructions.
Topics
- What code is
- Scratch tour
- Sequences
You’ll produce: A moving character
Module 2Animation6 h
Bringing characters to life.
Topics
- Costumes and backdrops
- Loops
- Timing
You’ll produce: Animated story
Module 3Games6 h
Making things interactive.
Topics
- Events and keyboard controls
- Conditions
- Scores and variables
You’ll produce: Interactive game
Module 4Team project6 h
Designing and building together.
Topics
- Planning a game
- Sharing work
- Testing
You’ll produce: Team game
Module 5First steps in Python3 h
From blocks to text.
Topics
- print and input
- Simple loops
You’ll produce: A first Python program

Projects

Work you build during the course and keep for your portfolio.

Animated story

A short animated story built in Scratch.

Interactive game

A game with scores, levels and sounds.

Team showcase game

A game designed and built as a team, presented to families.

How you’ll learn

Saturday sessions

A weekly session in our lab, with computers provided.

Make things

Every session ends with something you made.

Teams

You design and build your final game in a small team.

Assessment

No exams. Learners are assessed on the projects they make each week and the game they present at the showcase.

Certificate

A certificate of completion, presented at the showcase in front of families, for attending at least 6 of the 8 sessions.

Where it can lead

A head start for school computing
Next step: Front-End Web Development or Python when older
Future careers in software, games and design

Where

IT For Youth Ghana, Hno. L529, Gecko Street, Kwabenya-Musuku, Accra

Open in maps

Paying for it

Scholarships: Full and part scholarships for young women, learners from low-income homes and first-generation tech learners. Say on your application that you would like to be considered.

Instalments: Pay in two or three parts. Ask admissions before the course starts.

A laptop: Learners without a laptop can apply to our Laptop Bank.

Frequently asked questions

Does my child need a computer?

No. Computers are provided in our lab.

What does the fee cover?

Sessions, lab use and materials. Ask us about support if the fee stands in the way.

Is it safe?

Sessions are supervised by trained facilitators, and parents and guardians are welcome at the showcase.