My Experience as a Teaching Assistant at AddisCoder
This past summer, I had the privilege of serving as a Teaching Assistant (TA) for AddisCoder, a four-week summer program in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The program introduces high school students to computer science, teaching them the fundamentals of programming and algorithms, subjects not typically part of the Ethiopian school curriculum. Being part of this experience allowed me to see how impactful education can be in sparking curiosity and inspiring the next generation of innovators.
AddisCoder: A Life-Changing Opportunity
In Ethiopia, computer science isn’t typically seen as a top career path for high-achieving students, who often lean toward fields like medicine or engineering. AddisCoder is working to shift this perspective.
As a former TA in 2019, I witnessed how AddisCoder opens doors to computer science for students who may have never considered it. Founded in 2011 by Professor Jelani Nelson, the program offers free, high-quality education from basic Python programming to advanced algorithms. What truly sets it apart is its focus on accessibility covering housing, meals, and transportation to ensure students from all backgrounds can participate.
It was inspiring to see students, especially those new to the field, discover their potential and consider paths they hadn’t thought of before. Watching young minds, especially those who had never been exposed to computer science, light up with curiosity and excitement was a highlight of my experience. AddisCoder doesn’t just teach coding; it expands possibilities, encouraging students to explore a future in technology that they might not have seen before.
A Classroom of Diversity and Inclusivity
One of the most inspiring aspects of AddisCoder was its diverse student body, with 100 participants from across Ethiopia, representing various cultures, languages, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The program fostered an inclusive environment, where students from urban and rural areas learned side by side with equal acce of ss to opportunities. A nearly equal number of male and female students, a rarity in tech programs, made it even more special. Seeing so many young women actively and confidently engaging in the program was a personal highlight.
Hands-On Learning: The AddisCoder Method
AddisCoder’s practical approach to learning combined daily lectures with hands-on coding exercises, helping students gradually develop problem-solving skills. Each morning and afternoon session included a lecture followed by lab exercises, allowing students to apply what they learned immediately. As a TA, I worked closely with students, guiding them through challenging coding problems from basic algorithms and recursion to graph theory. Watching their transformation from hesitant beginners to confident problem solvers was incredibly rewarding.
The program wasn’t without challenges. Some students struggled initially, and language barriers made learning even tougher. While many spoke English, others needed translation support. Ethiopian lab assistants, including myself, played a crucial role in bridging that gap by offering mini-lectures in local languages like Amharic and Somali. People like Biniam Lombe were always there, giving pep talks to encourage students, especially when they compared themselves to those with prior programming or tech exposure. Abdishakur Yusuf was a constant support, helping with translations in Somali, while every local TA stepped in to simplify lessons and offer guidance.
As the days passed, it was inspiring to see how quickly the students improved. One of the most rewarding moments for me was watching a student, who had never coded before, excel in the program’s first exam a true testament to the power of perseverance and support.
A New Generation of Women in Tech
One of the highlights of my summer was seeing the strong presence of young women in AddisCoder. As a woman in tech, it felt meaningful to mentor them and see their interest grow. Their enthusiasm and confidence were a positive sign for the future, where I hope to see more women entering and succeeding in the tech field.
Learning in the Face of Conflict
This summer’s program took place against the backdrop of ongoing conflict in various parts of Ethiopia. Despite the challenges these students faced in their daily lives, they were united by a shared desire to learn and grow. Seeing so many bright minds coming together from different regions of the country, determined to explore the opportunities computer science can offer, was a powerful reminder that education can bring hope even in the most difficult circumstances.
A Heartfelt Thanks to My IRLab Amsterdam Family
I am deeply grateful to IRLab Amsterdam for making my participation in AddisCoder possible. Their generous support covered my travel and living expenses, enabling me to dedicate time each day to mentoring students. I am especially thankful to my supervisors for fully supporting my idea and allowing me to commit time to this experience. Without their encouragement and backing, this wouldn’t have been possible. I feel fortunate to be part of a lab that not only values research but also invests in meaningful opportunities to give back to the community.
The Joy of Teaching and Personal Growth
Being a TA at AddisCoder was more than just a teaching role it was a profound learning experience for me as well. I had the chance to revisit foundational computer science concepts taught by well-known professors in the field, and I had the privilege of collaborating with TAs from Ethiopia and around the world, including those from prestigious universities and leading tech companies. Sharing experiences and cultures with this diverse group made the experience even more rewarding and highlighted the global impact of AddisCoder. This exposure not only enriched my perspective but also inspired me to keep pursuing my own academic and professional goals.
Serving as a TA reaffirmed my belief in the potential of young people when they are given the right resources and support. Many AddisCoder alumni have gone on to attend top universities or pursue exciting careers in tech, and knowing I played a small part in their journey fills me with pride.
My own research direction was largely shaped by my time at AddisCoder. Being a TA in 2019 was a pivotal moment, solidifying my decision to pursue a Master’s degree in AI abroad, which eventually led me to my current PhD work. Like many Ethiopians, I had little awareness of the vast opportunities in computer science until AddisCoder opened my eyes to new possibilities in tech and research.
Meeting influential figures like Timnit Gebru, along with global and local TAs, expanded my vision and shaped my path toward academia and AI research. Returning as a TA in 2024 with IRLab’s support was especially meaningful, giving back to the program that helped shape my journey and inspiring the next generation of Ethiopian students in tech and research.
Empowering the Next Generation
AddisCoder is more than just a summer program; it’s a life-changing initiative that unlocks countless opportunities for those who participate. I’m incredibly grateful to have been part of this transformative experience, and I wholeheartedly encourage anyone interested whether as a student, teaching assistant, or supporter to get involved. AddisCoder truly has the power to change lives.
A special thank you to IRLab Amsterdam for their sponsorship and for giving me the opportunity to be part of AddisCoder 2024, making this unforgettable experience possible.
