CodeWeekend 2025: Web & AI development bootcamp and becoming a non-profit organization
At CodeWeekend, we believe learning has the power to change lives. When young people are given the chance to learn new skills, they also gain the confidence to imagine new futures. This year, we are taking important steps to make technology education more accessible and supportive for Afghan youth.
We are pleased to share two milestones:
- The launch of the Web & AI Development Bootcamp 2025, a 12-week program for women and girls in Afghanistan.
- The registration of CodeWeekend as a non-profit organization in British Columbia, Canada.
Together, these steps strengthen our ability to reach more learners, build meaningful partnerships, and continue creating opportunities where they are most needed.
CodeWeekend 2025: A Bootcamp for Women and Girls in Afghanistan
This year’s bootcamp has already brought so much excitement. We received more than 280 applications from across Afghanistan, and after a careful selection process, 50 participants were admitted.
With generous support from the Linda Norgrove Foundation, 30 learners were awarded full scholarships. To make sure everyone can fully take part, 24 participants are receiving internet packages so they can stay connected to classes, complete their assignments, and continue learning without interruption. CodeWeekend is also working to provide personal laptops for those who do not yet have one, so they can study and create with independence.
Program Structure: Step by Step Learning
The Web & AI Development Bootcamp 2025 is designed to guide learners from the basics of technology to building real projects they can share proudly.
- Foundations – Students begin with computer basics, the internet, Git, and essential digital tools.
- Frontend Development – They move on to learning HTML, CSS, JavaScript, responsive design, and the React framework to create modern, user-friendly websites.
- Introduction to AI – Participants explore the growing field of artificial intelligence, including how to connect large language models (LLMs) to web applications in practical ways.
- Capstone Project – The bootcamp ends with a project where each student designs and develops their own application, presented at a Demo Day to celebrate their progress.
By combining guided lessons with hands-on practice, the bootcamp helps learners gain both strong technical skills and the confidence to use them in the real world.
Early Student Achievements
Even in the first weeks, students have already begun to create inspiring projects.
Mahdia Khamoosh from Panjshir built and launched her own personal website from scratch. In a time when many Afghan women have limited opportunities to express themselves, Mahdia created a platform where her voice can be seen and heard.
👉 Explore: Mahdia’s Website
Other students have developed creative movie platforms, complete with features to display films and highlight talent. These are not just technical exercises but also reflections of their creativity and resilience.
👉 Explore: Project – Elhama · Project – Hananeh
These projects remind us that every website, every app, and every new idea is more than code. It is a step toward a brighter future, showing the strength and imagination of Afghan women.
Becoming a Non-Profit Organization
Alongside the launch of this cohort, we are proud to announce that CodeWeekend is now officially incorporated as a non-profit society in British Columbia, Canada.
This gives us the structure we need to:
- expand programs to reach more students,
- build long-term partnerships with organizations that share our mission, and
- ensure that the support we provide is sustainable.
From the very beginning, CodeWeekend has been a community effort. Becoming a non-profit is not just an administrative step—it reflects the belief and trust of our mentors, volunteers, learners, and partners who have carried us forward.
Instructors and Mentors
This year’s bootcamp is led by Jamshid, who guides students through the structured curriculum. Alongside him, a group of dedicated female mentors from Afghanistan and abroad join the live sessions to:
- share their professional experiences,
- answer questions, and
- encourage learners with their own stories.
This mentorship helps students see what is possible, reminding them that a career in technology is within their reach.
Our Partners
We are deeply grateful to the Linda Norgrove Foundation, whose scholarships and student support made this year’s bootcamp possible. Their commitment has opened doors for many learners who would otherwise not have had access to technology education.
We also thank our long-standing partners and friends who continue to walk beside us. Each act of support strengthens our community and allows us to reach further.
Student Voices
“Getting this scholarship means I can finally pursue my dream of becoming a developer. I’m excited to build projects that solve real-world problems.” – Bootcamp student
“The internet package support makes a big difference. It allows me to stay connected every day and not fall behind.” – Bootcamp student
As the weeks go on, we will share more reflections and stories from our 2025 cohort.
Looking Ahead
Our plans for the future include:
- expanding bootcamps in 2026 to reach more students,
- building new AI-focused learning tracks alongside web development,
- hosting more community events and hackathons, and
- strengthening the CodeWeekend Foundation’s partnerships and funding opportunities.
With a non-profit foundation in place, we are ready to grow our impact in Afghanistan, in Canada, and beyond.
Thank You
None of this would be possible without our students, mentors, volunteers, partners, and supporters. Every milestone we achieve is a shared success. Together, we are not only teaching coding—we are building hope, opportunity, and community.
Here’s to another year of learning and growth.
— The CodeWeekend Team 💚
Join us on this journey
Follow CodeWeekend on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter/X, or join our upcoming events to learn, connect, and support the next generation of Afghan developers.