Be like Malcolm X and read every programming book he can get. Send him PDF copies. I'm self-taught. I obviously had a computer but I spent a ton of time just reading and studying other people's code. There was a time as a kid when I wanted to play the Sax but my mom made me wait a year. I bought a book and learned the fingerings and played by air for a whole year and took first chair the next. If he is really motivated, he can do it. In fact... I'll contribute and send him books as well as advise on how to get there. Send me a message and I'll help you help him.