Founder story: Code4Kids

Written by:
Injini
Published on:
September 15, 2023

In 2018, Matthew Henshall, a seasoned South African entrepreneur holding a bachelor's degree in electromechanical engineering from the University of Cape Town, laid the foundation for Code4Kids, an EdTech startup with an unwavering commitment to training educators to teach coding, robotics, and IT in the school classroom in Southern Africa, UK, USA, and Australasia.

Code4Kids targets learners aged 5 to 15 years. The company is on a mission to teach coding such as HTML, CSS, Javascript, and Python in a relevant way where learners build websites, apps, and games on topics like their country, famous women in history, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.

Code4Kids takes a holistic approach to education, not only focusing on the learners but also investing in continuous teacher training to ensure that educators stay abreast of the latest technological advancements, ultimately enriching the learning experience.

The inception of Code4Kids can be traced back to a moment when Matthew set out to introduce his nieces to the world of coding. Recognising a deficiency in coding education within the school curriculum, he approached his nieces’ school in Cape Town with an audacious proposition: to teach coding to their students. The school's positive response marked the inception of the company, which has since grown exponentially.

Code4Kids aims to set itself apart from the crowd by placing the importance on its customers. In a bold move, the company started working with more and more schools while building their product in parallel. This strategic maneuver not only validated the viability of their model but also ensured that students embraced the educational content wholeheartedly. Furthermore, Code4Kids places a strong emphasis on comprehending the unique needs of its customers, crafting its educational tools to precisely address those requirements.

With an innovative and forward-thinking approach, Code4Kids is doing its best to usher in a new era of education in South Africa, and its aspirations extend far beyond its current reach. The company is dedicated to expanding its footprint, making quality education accessible to all South Africans who seek it. By equipping children with the essential skills to navigate a rapidly evolving digital world, Code4Kids is playing a pivotal role in shaping a brighter future for South Africa.