Birthday bash for Ballymun CoderDojo

THE Ballymun CoderDojo celebrated its first anniversary recently with a party and a visit by Dublin North West TD, Roisin Shortall (SD) and Assistant City Manager of Dublin City Council Brendan Kenny.

The coding club was established last year by the Ballymun Child and Family Resource Centre and has been a great success. 

Ballymun CoderDojo gives local kids aged 7-17 a head start when it comes to secondary and third level education, as well as an opportunity to get employment in hi-tech sectors.

“The Family Resource Centre is a place where young people can learn to code, build a website, create an app or a game, and explore technology in an informal, creative, and social aenvironment,” said centre manager, Valerie O’Carroll.

CoderDojo is a network of free, volunteer-led, community-based programming clubs for young people.

Volunteers all around the world help young people build a positive future through coding and community.

At present the Family Resource Centre has nine volunteer mentors who give up two hours on a Saturday to get involved in CoderDojo and support children locally.

“I know we couldn’t provide this programme without the support from the mentors,” O’Carroll said.

“The mentors are guiding and supporting the children each week.”

Anybody interested in becoming a mentor can contact Valerie or Rachel on 01-8527183.