DILI, 20 December 2025 (TATOLI) – Similie Academy is fostering student creativity through an innovative Codefest competition, open to participants ranging from children as young as six to adults.
Ana Paula da Costa Xavier, Manager of Similie Academy, explained that the competition aims to provide students with opportunities to design platforms based on creative ideas and talents to address pressing global challenges.
The competition features three categories: “Life Below Water,” “Water and Sanitation,” and “Good Health and Well-Being.”
“From these three categories, we will invite students to select the one they prefer and develop programming projects based on their choice,” Ana Paula stated during the event held in Kampung Alor.
Similie Academy, which officially opened in June, offers training in coding and computer literacy for children.
“At Similie Academy, we provide training for students beginning at age six up to adults. In the coming years, we will expand to include mathematics education. My hope is that students participating in this competition will continue learning, enhance their programming skills, and be empowered to innovate,” she added.
Judge Abreo Andre Boavida observed that even the youngest participants demonstrated remarkable potential. He encouraged parents to nurture their children’s mindset and talents through programming.
“Today we saw small projects created by the students that were truly impressive. We evaluated them carefully and selected several winners with the best classifications. From what I observed, these children have great potential,” he said.
He emphasized that Similie Academy should continue improving its training programs to help children become pillars of future qualifications. He urged students to seize opportunities to express their abilities and creativity, overcome challenges, and adapt to emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).
Journalist: Alexandra da Costa
Editor: Maria Auxiliadora
Translation: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
