A CoderDojo Mullingar class this morning.

CoderDojo Mullingar accepting new members

CoderDojo Mullingar is accepting new members (and volunteers) at all levels, starting February 18.

At CoderDojo, the volunteers want to help young people realise that they can build a positive future through learning to program computers, or coding, as it’s commonly referred to.

They believe that:

• An understanding of programming languages is important

• It is easier to learn these digital skills early

• Everyone should have the opportunity to learn to code.

The CoderDojo movement is formed of a global network of Dojos and the community of volunteers and young people that make them happen.

A Dojo is a free, volunteer-led, community-based programming club for young people. Anyone aged seven to 17 can visit a Dojo and learn to code, build a website, or create an app or game.

Dojos are a space for young people to explore technology in an informal, creative, safe and social environment.

They promote a focus on youth mentoring, and on peer and self-led learning – it’s a club, not a school.

Not everyone who attends goes on to a career in programming or computer science, but CoderDojo volunteers like to think that they’ve all enjoyed it and have left with a bit of a better idea about what coding is and how they can use it in their lives.

Like any club, joining a Dojo is a great way to meet new people with similar interests, but CoderDojo also helps to learn skills that are becoming more useful and valuable every day.

For those in post-primary education, it’s a great way to support the Short Course in Coding at Junior Cert level, or Computer Science on the Senior Cycle, or as a way to earn points towards a ‘Gaisce’ award either as a learner or as a volunteer.

CoderDojo Mullingar are accepting new members at all levels. There’s no commitment, it’s free, and computers can be provided if you don’t have one that you can bring along.

Computers don’t care if you’re a girl, a boy, somewhere in-between or haven’t made your mind up yet. So there’s no harm in giving it a try if you’re available between 11am and 1pm on a Saturday.

CoderDojo Mullingar’s base is in Forest Park (just off the road on the way to the Joe Dolan Bridge).

They’re also always open to volunteers. Volunteers do not need to be coders or to have any technical background. Training will be provided where necessary, but they especially need more women and girls in leadership and mentorship roles.

https://coderdojomullingar.com

https://facebook.com/coderdojomullingar

email: mullingar.ie@coderdojo.com