The insights, steps and tips on how to run a successful code-sprint have been made available in the form of a user-friendly, Creative Commons licensed toolbox to assist other organisations and companies in using the methodology that was developed during the Meraka Institute’s very successful series of code sprints.
What is a code sprint?
A code-sprint is a dedicated training event aimed at empowering tertiary students with software development skills to improve their work-readiness and enhance their opportunities for uptake in the industry. A small group of students contribute to a real-world programming project under the guidance of a skilled technical leader. Through the close collaboration between the group and the technical leader, programming skills are shared and transferred, whilst key deliverables are achieved within the target project.
The Meraka Institute’s code sprints
The Meraka Institute (supported by SAFIPA donor funding) has successfully executed two phases of code-sprints, 2009 and 2011. 2009 consisted of two and 2011 having three code-sprints. The programme was a resounding success with 26 code-sprinters (tertiary students) participating over the two phases. The code-sprints programme has a well developed methodology to measure the growth of each student as well as other outcomes. The results extracted through the measurement methodology were extremely positive with clear indicators of the success of the code-sprint programme.
The first two code-sprint phases were hosted at the Meraka Institute. An opportunity exists to host the code-sprints at other development “hotspots” while following the code-sprints methodology. An example of a potentially viable hosting environment is the newly created “African Regional Mobile Application Laboratory” where the code-sprints targets are those of importance to the Laboratory at that time. Another potential code-sprint hosting environment can be a Living Lab, as it already contains the basic elements (various stakeholders such as students, communities and community innovators within a real life context containing multi-disciplinary challenges to be solved) required for the execution of a code-sprint. Tertiary education institutes are also well positioned to host code-sprints. With the addition of the code-sprints methodology, a technical solution can be developed, while significant knowledge and skills transfer are taking place.
The environment suitable for code-sprints
Traditionally the code-sprints have been focused on the ICT domain. However, the developed code-sprint methodology and extracted know-how suggest that similar outcomes can be obtained in other domains (e.g. various fields of engineering).
The Code-Sprints toolbox outline
Compiled as a downloadable pdf, the document is 19 pages in length and includes the following valuable information:
- The methodology of a code sprint: this outlines the associated tasks such as identification of a hosting organisation, and the need to appoint internal champions;
- Identification of a host organisation and the types of facilities that should be available at the organisation to ensure a successful code sprint;
- Outlining the different roles that need to be in place, which are crucial to ensuring real knowledge transfer;
- How to prepare for a code sprint, including the different types of personnel that are necessary, logistics and coordination requirements;
- The execution and implementation of the code sprint itself; and
- Wrapping up or concluding the code sprint.
| Click to download the document |
Kerryn is a director at The African Commons Project. She graduated from Rhodes University having majored in Journalism & Media Studies and English and has since worked in the e-commerce arena before becoming involved in the Commons movement. Kerryn was the lead project manager at iCommons and is now concerned with open content, intellectual property and issues of internet governance. Kerryn completed her Advanced Diploma in Internet Governance and Intellectual Property with the Diplo Foundation. 
This is the final edition of the SAFIPA newsletter. The month of November 2011, marks the conclusion of this dynamic initiative.
