A family-run avocado plantation thousands of miles away is being managed with the help of an app built by an islander who completed a beginner programming course in Jersey.
Maritza Gouveia, who grew up on a farm in Venezuela, has long held an interest in technology and had already studied three years of computer engineering at university before moving to Jersey.
Last year, she was among the participants on Digital Jersey’s ‘Code in Place’ course, which is designed as a beginner-friendly introduction to programming.
In my opinion, learning to code is more than just programming – it’s about using those skills in your everyday life
Maritza Gouveia
Using the Python skills she learned during the course, Maritza decided to start building an app to help her dad manage his avocado-planting project back in Venezuela.
“The app helps track the progress of the project in different ways,” she explained.
“For example, you can upload pictures to compare the land before and after planting. You can also track how much money has been invested and what it has been spent on, such as buying plants or paying workers.”
Maritza continued: “It allows you to store details of the people involved and keep a record of payments.
“You can also generate reports to understand the overall cost of the plantation.”
She noted that she had added an AI button so users can ask questions if they need help, and was also working on a feature that would compare the future selling prices of avocados.
“Another feature I’m developing is a tracking system for plant care, where you can schedule tasks in a calendar,” she said.
“For example, if the plants need watering every week, you can set reminders for that.”
Maritza explained that she thought building the app would be a great way to practice her skills “while also creating something useful”.
“In my opinion, learning to code is more than just programming – it’s about using those skills in your everyday life,” she added.
Islanders interested in the Code in Place course can register their interest for this year’s September cohort via the Digital Jersey website.