Amazon Donates $525,000 to Canada Learning Code
The biggest e-commerce company in the world has recently announced several new jobs and centres in Canada, and now they are doing their part to support the development of digital literacy in the country as well.
Amazon has announced they are donating $525,000 to Canada Learning Code to help support the organization’s commitment to building a kindergarten-to-grade-12 computer science education framework. This donation will help Canada Learning Code crate 275,000 “learner” experiences over the next three years, helping young Canadians learn the skills needed to adapt to and create with technology.
“We are excited to embark on this new relationship with Amazon to help realize our vision of every child from kindergarten to grade 12 having the opportunity to learn the skills they will need for the future,” said Melissa Sariffodeen, CEO of Canada Learning Code. “This donation by Amazon will have a transformative effect on Canadian skills development needed to prosper in the digital economy.”
Canada Learning Code (recently rebranded from Ladies Learning Code) hosts events across the country such as National Learning Code days to help instill an early knowledge and love of technology in students. They also run coding bootcamps and education programs and even offer a mobile travelling classroom.
“We are proud to support Canada Learning Code on their mission to ensure every Canadian student has access to computer science education,” said Alexandre Gagnon, VP for Amazon Canada and Mexico. “This donation will help provide students the skills they need to excel in one of Canada’s fastest growing job sectors.”
Improving digital literacy of the entire nation has proven to be an incredibly important undertaking and educating children is a major factor in that framework. A Brookfield report published last month showed that while interdiction to things like coding and languages is important, there must be an even more exhaustive approach to digital literacy. Donations like this will help Canada Learning Code keep up with the push to educate K-12 kids on everything they need to stay in tune with shifting technological landscapes. The government of Canada has also made significant contributions in the digital literacy space.
Canada Learning Code has reached over 90,000 learners so far through their tailored in-perosn experiences, and it operates in over 35 communities.
This donation from Amazon is another commitment the e-commerce behemoth is making to Canada. The company recently announced a 3,000-person tech hub in Vancouver, a new fulfillment centre in Caledon, and Toronto was also included as a shortlisted city for Amazon’s new HQ2.
