Local kids help launch cool coding event

THREE local youngsters have helped launch a free public event on cool computer coding that’s taking place next month.

Alice Cosgrove (12) and Leo (8) and Niamh (12) Scanlon from Glasnevin were happy to pose for photos promoting CoderDojo Coolest Projects, which will be held at the RDS on June 13.

The event will see young coders aged 7-17 from Ireland and around the world showcasing their IT skills with super cool apps, games, websites, robots and

‘hacks’ designed to make lives run better.

Paul Phelan, Operations Director Corporate Affairs Group EMEA at Intel Ireland, co-founded Coolest Projects and has witnessed its enormous growth from just 15 entries in 2011 to an anticipated 500 entries this year.

Coders attending the 2015 event are expected to come from the UK, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania and other EU member states.

“We have created a monster, a really cool monster that is growing at a phenomenal rate and I know that in not too many years we will look back at how this cool monster has created skills and innovation that has created investment and employment in Ireland,

? Phelan said.

Coolest Projects Leader and Champion at CoderDojo Dublin City University, Noel King, says the objective of the event is to inspire creativity from within the global CoderDojo community.

“Coolest Projects was founded to enable a generation of tech creators and inventors, and what these young members have created has been extraordinary,

? he said.

“Seeing 12-year olds creating enterprise-grade projects highlights the amazing potential we have in this country if we embrace, support and encourage this generation.

?

More details on the June 13 event in the RDS can be found online at www.coolestprojects.org.