This year, CodeWeekend took two steps to make technology education more accessible: a new Web & AI Development Bootcamp, and registration as a non-profit in British Columbia.
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.
Together, these steps strengthen our ability to reach more learners, build meaningful partnerships, and keep creating opportunities where they are most needed.
A 12-week Web & AI Development Bootcamp for women and girls in Afghanistan.
- 01 · Applied280+applications received from across Afghanistan
- 02 · Admitted50participants admitted after a careful selection process
- 03 · Funded30learners awarded full scholarships by the Linda Norgrove Foundation
Scholarships and connectivity
A seat in the Bootcamp is only the start. Learners also need a connection that lets them attend classes, complete assignments, and keep learning without interruption.
Their scholarships and student support made this year’s Bootcamp possible — opening doors for many learners who would otherwise not have had access to technology education.
The start of a core partnership that continued into 2026.
- 30learners awarded full scholarships
- 24participants receiving internet packages
CodeWeekend is also working to provide personal laptops for those who do not yet have one, so they can study and create with independence.
Step-by-step learning
The Bootcamp guides learners from the basics of technology to building real projects they can share proudly — combining guided lessons with hands-on practice, so they gain both technical skills and the confidence to use them.
- Foundations
Computer basics, the internet, Git, and essential digital tools.
- Frontend development
HTML, CSS, JavaScript, responsive design, and the React framework — to create modern, user-friendly websites.
- Introduction to AI
The growing field of artificial intelligence, including how to connect large language models (LLMs) to web applications in practical ways.
- Capstone & Demo Day
Each student designs and develops her own application, presented at Demo Day to celebrate her progress.
Early student work
Even in the first weeks, students began creating projects of their own — not just technical exercises, but reflections of their creativity and resilience.
A platform for her own voice Mahdia Khamoosh · PanjshirBuilt and launched her own personal website from scratch. In a time when many Afghan women have limited opportunities to express themselves, it is a place where her voice can be seen and heard.
Silver Screen Elhama SalahA responsive movie platform with featured films, current listings, services, and cinema information.
Movie discovery platform Hananeh MojadediA dark-themed movie discovery experience with featured titles, trailers, upcoming films, and showtimes.
Every website, every app, every new idea is more than code.
Each one is a step toward a brighter future, showing the strength and imagination of Afghan women.
Becoming a non-profit
Alongside the launch of this cohort, CodeWeekend is now officially incorporated as a non-profit society in British Columbia, Canada.
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 the mentors, volunteers, learners, and partners who have carried us forward.
With a non-profit foundation in place, we are ready to grow our impact in Afghanistan, in Canada, and beyond.
- ReachExpand programs to reach more students.
- PartnershipsBuild long-term partnerships with organizations that share our mission.
- SustainabilityEnsure that the support we provide is sustainable.
The people in the room
This year’s Bootcamp is led by Jamshid Hashimi, 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 — a reminder that a career in technology is within their reach.
Student voices
Two participants on what scholarship and internet support meant at the start of the Bootcamp.
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.
The internet package support makes a big difference. It allows me to stay connected every day and not fall behind.
Looking ahead
Our plans for the future, now that CodeWeekend has a non-profit foundation to build on.
- More students
Expanding Bootcamps in 2026 to reach more students.
- AI-focused tracks
Building new AI-focused learning tracks alongside web development.
- Community events
Hosting more community events and hackathons.
- Partnerships & funding
Strengthening the CodeWeekend Foundation’s partnerships and funding opportunities.
Thank you
None of this would be possible without our students, mentors, volunteers, partners, and supporters. Every milestone we achieve is a shared success.
We are deeply grateful to the Linda Norgrove Foundation, whose scholarships and student support made this year’s Bootcamp possible, and to our long-standing partners and friends who continue to walk beside us.
Together, we are not only teaching coding — we are building hope, opportunity, and community. Here’s to another year of learning and growth.
