Sometimes, research sparks more than just insight – it inspires action. That’s exactly what happened with our State of Open Source in the Global South report. Among the findings, one key takeaway stood out: open source projects and technologies, such the Eclipse Desktop IDE, are helping developers across the Global South develop skills, build solutions, and transform their communities.
When Maneo Mapharisa, the founder of Girls Coding Academy in Lesotho, approached us with an idea to host a web development hackathon and training sessions, the decision to support her initiative felt natural. Her vision – to empower young people with coding skills using the Eclipse IDE – aligned perfectly with our research findings. Inspired by her passion and the data, we stepped in to help bring the project to life.
Why Lesotho?
Lesotho, like many countries in the Global South, faces challenges such as limited access to technology, educational resources, and job opportunities in the tech sector. Yet, it is precisely in these environments that open source software has the potential to make the biggest difference.
Our research revealed that 24% of developers in the Global South use the Eclipse Desktop IDE – a testament to its accessibility and versatility. For students and educators with limited resources, tools like the Eclipse IDE can level the playing field, offering powerful capabilities at no cost. This made it the ideal platform for Maneo’s hackathon and training sessions.
Empowering Participation Through Hands-On Learning
In November, the Girls Coding Academy hosted two key events in Lesotho: a series of web development training sessions and a hackathon. Over 135 participants attended the workshops, which provided hands-on guidance on building functional web applications using the Eclipse IDE. The hackathon attracted 60 registrants, forming teams to tackle real-world challenges.
The energy and enthusiasm were palpable. Some participants arrived with no prior coding experience, yet by the end of the hackathon, they had built fully functional websites.
One participant shared, “I had never coded before, but using the Eclipse IDE made it easier to learn. I can’t believe I built something real in such a short time.”
Real-World Impact
The hackathon wasn’t just about learning – it was about solving problems that matter.
- First Place: Team Digital Dreamers
Created a platform connecting young entrepreneurs with the resources they need to grow their businesses.
Visit their project: Digital Dreamers.
- Second Place: Team PaCo
Developed a learning platform tailored for rural communities, providing accessible online resources.
Explore their work: Team PaCo
- Third Place: Team 1s and 0s
Built a website for anonymous crime reporting, offering a safe space for youth to voice their concerns.
See their solution: 1s and 0s
Beyond the competition, the initiative sparked lasting change. Many participants are now planning to continue their coding journeys, with some hoping to develop projects for their own businesses.
The workshop attracted over 135 participants. Photos courtesy of Girls Coding Academy.
Breaking Barriers for Women in Tech
Maneo Mapharisa’s own story is a powerful reminder of why initiatives like this are so important. Growing up in Lesotho, Maneo didn’t have access to computers or coding education. Inspired by her brother, who studied Computer Science, she pursued a degree in the same field – despite being one of the few women in her program.
This experience drove her to found Girls Coding Academy, which is dedicated to breaking down barriers for women and girls in tech. While the hackathon welcomed participants of all genders, the Academy continues to run training programs specifically for women and girls, helping to close the gender gap in technology.
Maneo’s journey reflects the findings of our State of Open Source in the Global South report, which highlighted the potential of open source to empower women through education and skills development.
Maneo Mapharisa’s own story is a powerful reminder of why initiatives like the Girls Coding Academy hackathons are so important.
Scaling the Impact
The success of the Lesotho hackathon is just the beginning. Maneo and her team are already planning future events, including an all-Africa online hackathon. Her vision is to create solutions that go beyond fun and games, addressing critical issues like climate change, education, and small business support.
Using the Eclipse IDE, these events will remain accessible to participants from diverse backgrounds. Maneo envisions a future where promising projects from these hackathons are nurtured in a tech incubator, turning ideas into impactful solutions.
Reflections
This initiative reaffirmed the transformative power of open source tools like the Eclipse IDE when paired with local leadership and a commitment to education.
While we don’t yet have a formal global outreach program, opportunities like this inspire us to support changemakers like Maneo. Together, we can help communities unlock the potential of open source to transform lives, one hackathon at a time.
For more stories about how open source is fostering skills and innovation across the Global South, visit our blog: Connecting People, Inspiring Learning.
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