STEAM programme helping regenerate rural communities

Meath is benefiting from a nationwide programme aimed at bringing Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) activities to families in rural Ireland.

The programme, which empowers parents and children to explore coding and technology together, is making waves in rural communities like Meath by bridging the digital divide and fostering community engagement.

In partnership with Meath County Council, OurKidsCode is activating local Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) and community venues as educational hubs. These efforts bring digital learning opportunities directly to rural families, ensuring access to STEAM education in areas that previously lacked resources. By encouraging families to work together, OurKidsCode not only develops technical skills but also strengthens the bonds within these communities.

As part of OurKidsCode’s ongoing efforts to spread STEAM activities across rural Ireland, Meath families are encouraged to attend a special STEAM Fun Day in Tipperary on November 16th at TUS Thurles Campus. This free event will feature hands-on workshops, coding challenges, robotics, and creative projects, designed to inspire children and parents alike. Families from Meath will have the chance to connect with others from neighbouring counties while engaging in fun and educational activities. This event coincides with Science Week, which runs the same week, making it a perfect opportunity to celebrate STEAM learning.

Louise Caldwell, Programme Manager for OurKidsCode, Trinity College, Dublin says, “We’re thrilled to invite families from Meath to join OurKidsCode in Tipperary for this incredible STEAM Fun Day. It’s a perfect opportunity to learn, create, and see first-hand the exciting world of technology that OurKidsCode brings to rural communities.”

Meath, like many rural areas, faces challenges in maintaining community infrastructure and accessing educational opportunities. OurKidsCode directly addresses these issues by offering digital learning opportunities that help develop essential skills for the future. Approximately half of Ireland's population lives in rural areas (OurKidsCodeReport), and programmes like OurKidsCode are crucial in ensuring that rural communities remain connected, engaged, and equipped for the evolving digital world.

OurKidsCode works in collaboration with industry and government partners to advance, with the aim of promoting greater diversity in technology graduates in Ireland. OurKidsCode research shows that parents have the biggest influence on children’s subject choices, and parents report not feeling confident in STEAM subjects to advise fully. OurKidsCode builds confidence and positively influences parents' attitudes towards computing and technology.

Notably, female participation in STEAM in Ireland has seen improvement. Between 2015 and 2022, data from the Higher Education Authority (HEA) reveals that the percentage of female participants in STEAM increased from 18 per cent to between 21 per cent and 24 per cent , depending on the specific STEAM field. Caldwell expressed optimism about the future, noting, “Through collaboration with initiatives across Ireland aimed at improving diversity in participation in STEAM, we can significantly raise this percentage over the coming decade.”

For more information and to register for the event, visit https://www.ourkidscode.ie/event .