This special edition of TechNews features Victor Bohbot, CEO of Digital Bonsaï, discussing his company’s EduTech initiatives, particularly focusing on how to bridge the gap between educational programming and becoming a full-fledged, agile developer.
Digital Bonsaï, established two years ago by Victor Bohbot who has been in Mauritius for over a decade, has built an ecosystem centered on upskilling young individuals. The goal is to make them capable of working on projects effectively and efficiently.
One of their flagship programs, a training bootcamp in Python and JavaScript, was launched in January 2023. This program is designed for individuals with no prior coding experience. Participants, like Cavin, start with basic HTML and CSS before moving to databases. The aim is for students to acquire the necessary skills within three months to find their first job or professional experience. Impressively, all students from the initial cohort found employment after completing the program. Cavin, for example, continued his training in JavaScript and within six months, gained the expertise to become a developer in any digital factory in Mauritius, supported by senior mentors.
Cavin shared his personal experience, noting that while fear of the unknown can be present when starting, perseverance and staying updated with new technologies are key. The immersive, practical nature of the program helped him feel comfortable and productive quickly in the professional world, despite initial apprehension. He emphasized the invaluable support of mentors, who were readily available to answer questions without judgment, fostering a safe learning environment.
Victor Bohbot highlighted a key distinction between their intensive bootcamps and traditional university programs. While universities provide extensive theoretical knowledge (e.g., the history of computers), this often lacks immediate operational value for employers. Digital Bonsaï’s bootcamps, conversely, create “plug and play” individuals who are immediately efficient. This drastically reduces the onboarding time for juniors from several months to just a few weeks. For instance, Cavin had his first project within three weeks of joining.
Digital Bonsaï also fosters a “circular knowledge economy” where successful students like Cavin become teaching assistants and eventually instructors, continually mentoring new talent. This ensures a constant flow of updated knowledge and practical expertise.
However, a significant challenge remains in the perception of talent sourcing. Many companies in Mauritius still prioritize candidates with traditional Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees, overlooking the operational value of those trained through intensive, practical programs. Digital Bonsaï is working to demystify this notion, arguing that coding should be learned in a very operational, pure, and spontaneous way, and that companies should not be afraid to hire motivated individuals without traditional degrees.
Cavin’s top advice for aspiring developers is to have self-confidence, never give up, and always ask questions without fear of judgment.