CoderDojo Navan looking foward to a new season in Navan
In Navan, a dedicated group of volunteers has been shaping the creative minds of the next generation for over a decade. CoderDojo Navan, operating from the Unity Centre in Windtown, has been offering free programming classes to children aged eight to 15, and their autumn session concluded with great success.
Founded over 10 years ago, the organisation is driven by a passion for nurturing young talents in the field of technology. With each session, they accommodate 30 to 40 eager young minds, providing a platform for them to explore and learn the intricacies of programming. The classes cover a range of languages and applications, with a focus on Scratch and Python during the latest term.
A remarkable aspect of this initiative is the commitment of the mentors who generously dedicate their spare time to running and teaching these classes. Their unwavering support has been crucial in the organisation's success, fostering an environment where children can thrive and develop valuable skills.
The recent autumn session saw young minds engaged in the realms of Scratch and Python, laying the groundwork for future success in the dynamic field of programming. However, the impact of the academy goes beyond the classroom – four former students have gone on to study computer science degrees at Trinity College, UCD and DCU, a testament to the profound influence of the organisation on its students' academic and career paths. There may be more success stories waiting to be uncovered, as the academy continues to be a breeding ground for budding tech enthusiasts.
Despite the incredible impact they have on the local community, the voluntary organisation faces financial challenges as it operates solely on voluntary contributions and donations from parents during class sessions. While they are immensely grateful for recent donations of laptops from Navan Library and a monetary contribution from Credit Union Plus in Navan, the organization is actively seeking additional support to sustain and expand their valuable work.
The funds collected are used to cover essential overheads, including insurance, Unity Centre hire, and supplies such as tea, coffee, and biscuits for the children and parents. Moreover, the organisation aims to enhance the learning experience by acquiring additional equipment, such as Robotics and Arduino kits, to further engage and inspire their young learners.
CoderDojo Navan is already in the planning stages for their early 2024 session, slated to kick off in early February. The success of their programmes relies on the generosity of the community, and the organisation is reaching out for sponsorship opportunities and donations to continue their mission of empowering young minds through technology. For more information on the classes and dates, check out their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CoderDojoNavan.