Mozilla Philippines’ Summer Code Party Take Two

After a successful kick off event last June 23, Philippines Summer Code Party is coming again to Santa Rosa, Laguna on August 20, 2012. It is spearheaded by Jean Austin Rodriguez, a Mozilla representative and an active member of Mozilla Philippines, where he functions as the lead for User and Contributor Engagement teams. I spoke to him to find out more details about this event.

Tell us about the Summer Code Party.

The Summer Code Party is a global campaign initiated by the Mozilla Webmaker project which aims to help people learn the basics of the web by making, learning and building together. Web developers, artists, educators, professionals and students, adults, teenagers and kids are encouraged to join. Anyone can even organize events (or “parties”) in their area. The whole goal of this project is to help millions of people move from “using the web” to “making the web”. “Webmakers” learn HTML by creating their first webpage, remixing their favorite websites, customizing their Tumblr page, making a video (and a lot more!) with fun tools like Thimble, X-Ray Goggles, and Popcorn.

The #mozparty, as we hashtag it on Twitter, runs from June 23 to September 23.

Who are the other organizers behind the event?

Mozilla, the non-profit organization behind the Firefox web browser, is the lead organizer of this campaign. Companies like Google, Code Academy, Tumblr, Girls Learning Code and Hive Learning Network serve as partners together with other local Mozilla communities around the world.

What can the participants look forward to?

Attendees will have the chance to meet other “webmakers”, share their ideas and “hack” websites together. Not only that, members of Mozilla PH who are web development experts, media practitioners and professional bloggers, are invited. They will be sharing their experience and tips during the event. Aside from the free drinks and merienda that will be served, participants will also receive cool swag from Mozilla.

Why did you organize this event?

We wanted everyone, especially students, to take this opportunity to improve their skills, build their confidence and expand their professional network in preparation for their real-world experience. Mozilla’s mission is to promote openness, innovation and opportunity on the web. And through these events, we are able to bring Mozilla to them.