Ensuring equitable access to quality coding education

ALWYN FERNANDES, Benaulim | 31st December 2025, 07:23 pm

I refer to the article on the State government's plans to strengthen and expand the Coding & Robotics Education in Schools (CARES) Scheme. While I appreciate the initiative, I am concerned that there will be impartial implementation of this scheme. My concern is that the Centres of Excellence (CoE) and Whiz Kid Learning Spaces, initially one in each district, might end up benefiting only certain schools that follow boards with supposedly superior course quality, teaching staff and infrastructure, and high tuition fees. Multiple boards stratifying students based on affordability is a roadblock to standard quality education for all. Coding is a high-level subject requiring a well-designed curriculum and industry-experienced tutors. From my experience with my state board ward, the exposure to coding seems rushed, just to show that such education is being made available. I hope the government ensures equitable access to quality coding education, regardless of the board or school.




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