Scottish Parliament Embrace Generation Y and CoderDojo

Oct. 25, 2012 - PRLog -- CoderDojo Kids Coding Initiative Comes to Scottish Parliament

Scottish Parliament Embraces Generation Y with CoderDojo

On its first anniversary, CoderDojo, the global student focused,  free computer coding initiative, started in Cork, Ireland, by Australian Entrepreneur, Bill Liao, along with young co-founder and Dublin Web Summit - Social Entrepreneur Award Winner, James Whelton, will teach a special IT class in the Committee room’s, Scottish Parliament, on today, Thursday, 25th October, 5:00 – 8:00PM, hosted by Elaine Murray, MSP.

The global CoderDojo network of voluntary computer clubs, spanning from Ireland to Silicon Valley and Shanghai, is a place for young people to learn to code, develop websites, mobile apps, online games and more. The coding initiative is designed to equip the younger generation with the knowledge and skills that will benefit them in the future.

Since the first ‘Dojo’ opened its doors only a year ago, CoderDojo has come a very long way, with thousands of CoderDojo members learning valuable skills, in a cool environment.  The number of CoderDojo members is growing rapidly each week, as new Dojos open up all over the world. As well as already having an extensive network of clubs in Ireland, CoderDojo has recently seen a club open in Silicon Valley in California, holding an event in Microsoft’s HQ.  The expansion into Silicon Valley, post code address, for so many of the world's largest technology corporations, such as Google, Twitter, Microsoft, Facebook, and LinkedIn,  represents a significant milestone on the expansion of CoderDojo into  the United States.

All the mentors volunteer to help young children learn important skills that will really benefit them in the future. Many of them are learning key web and coding skills that will equip them with the talent to build their own website and enhance their online presence. Already we have seen some incredible successes from members of CoderDojo who have received national and international recognition for the development work they are doing.  The best feature about CoderDojo? It is absolutely free!

In Ireland, various politicians and an MEP  have embraced the CoderDojo movement and have even set up local Dojo clubs, such as Irish Government  Minister Ciaran Cannon, in his home town of Athenry. While Ireland South - MEP, Sean Kelly is bringing CoderDojo to the heart of Europe, hosting a CoderDojo in the European Parliament in late January, 2013. This event will hopefully be the catalyst to encourage Scottish politican’s to establish similar networks in communities across Scotland.

CoderDoJo clubs have proven to have a very positive impact on children of all ages, providing kids with the confidence to learn IT skills while young and empowering them with the essential knowledge to devlop mobile apps, games and web skills,  the tools with which they can build businesses in the future. The Scottish IT sector is an area that has significant growth potential and the capacity to create much needed jobs. Scotland needs to ensure that it is producing technology graduates of a high caliber and today’s CoderDojo event in the Scottish Parliament is a start in the right direction.

For the past year, CoderDojo Co-founders James Whelton and Bill Liao, have been inspiring in their approach and energy, along with the Dojo volunteers, in ensuring that young people are gaining app development, coding and web design skills across Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales and even further afield. Bill Liao said: "Computer code touches every aspect of our lives and the world is gasping for new coders, CoderDojo at the Scottish Parliament today is a symbol of Scotland’s commitment to garnering the very best global opportunities for its young people."

James Whelton and Bill Liao’s vision has captured the hearts and minds of kids and made coding super-cool and fun. The CoderDojo model is accessible to all, it’s free of charge and it’s a great example of how to mobilise passionate mentors to make a meaningful contribution to society. They have transformed nerdy kids into super-hero’s with coding powers!

The cool-class atmosphere encourages members to share their knowledge, doubts and ideas, and makes them eager to attend further sessions.  CoderDojo is also a social enterprise that aims to use technology to reform the current education system, and empower educators in disadvantaged and under resourced communities to provide world class education to all. One of CoderDojo’s goals is to ensure that kids from all backgrounds have access to low cost technology, ensuring their ability to be a part of this transformative movement.  Its purposes is also to enable kids get the skills that they will need for the future, for employability and to enable the Smart economy.

Glasgow Science Centre (GSC) has been supporting CoderDojo both at GSC and for this Parliament event, our CEO Dr Stephen Breslin will offer the thanks on the evening. We have secured sponsorship from, BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT and SICSA, the Scottish Informatics and Computer Science Alliance.

If you are interested in becoming a CoderDojo mentor or to find information about a class near you please visit www.coderdojo.com for more information.

-ENDS-

For further information or images please contact:
Declan O’Leary, Media Mentor Public Relations

Tel: +353 1 4370143          

M: +353 87 2909988          
Email: declan.oleary@mediamentorpr.com

CoderDojo Video -

http://youtu.be/BIEXQtHXc0I?hd=1