Danielle Ribeiro from Great.com interviewed the CoderDojo Czech Republic as part of their ‚Great.com Talks With…‘ podcast. This series is an antidote to negative news stories that aims to shed light on organizations and experts whose work is making a positive impact on the world.
Founded in Ireland in 2011, CoderDojo has quickly become an international phenomenon, making its way to the Czech Republic, where it continues to flourish. By establishing a network of volunteer-led coding clubs, the initiative offers free educational experiences to youngsters between the ages of 7 and 17. These clubs are not just about learning how to code; they’re about problem-solving, creativity, and shaping a future in which everyone can contribute to the technological tapestry of our society.
Today Tereza Hager, the Project Coordinator and Chairwoman of the Association of Coder Dojo Czech Republic, talked with Great.com about how the clubs serve as hubs of creativity and innovation, where children learn to code, develop websites, apps, games, and more, all in a supportive and collaborative environment.
The driving force behind CoderDojo’s workshops and sessions are the volunteers and mentors whose passion for technology and education helps to ignite the same enthusiasm among their young protégés. With various projects and events, these experienced professionals and hobbyists share their knowledge, inspiring a new generation of coders who are prepared to explore, innovate, and create.
Among the successes of CoderDojo Czech Republic are many stories of youth who have not only mastered valuable technical skills but have also developed the confidence to dream big. Our initiative instils a sense of accomplishment and provides tools for self-expression through programming—an essential skill in the 21st century. Whether it’s building a simple website, designing a game, or programming a robot, students are encouraged to work on projects that excite them, ensuring that the learning experience is as engaging as it is informative.
The community impact of CoderDojo Czech Republic is best represented by the personal achievements of its members. By facilitating an arena where young people can freely experiment and innovate, CoderDojo ensures that no child with a penchant for technology is left behind. Its influence extends beyond the clubs, fostering a spirit of cooperation and continuous learning that permeates into schools and households across the nation.
The story of CoderDojo in the Czech Republic isn’t merely one of imparting technical skills. It’s a narrative woven with stories of success, creativity, and transformation. Behind the numbers and data are the young individuals whose lives have been indelibly impacted by this project. Through coding, they acquire a form of literacy that will be essential in the digital era, fostering not just individual growth but also influencing the wider community. The success stories—of kids who’ve become confident tech creators, of teenage innovators thinking critically and solving problems—reverberate beyond the clubs, inspiring even more children to turn their ideas into reality. Great.com is an organization aimed at solving the world’s most dire problem — global climate change. Starting in New Jersey, their mission is to take money from an otherwise harmful and greedy industry (online casinos) and move it towards a positive and good cause (solving the climate crisis). In addition to directly donating 100% of the revenue they earn in the casino industry, they also launch and manage fundraising campaigns to persuade casino entrepreneurs to donate. So far, they’ve generated over $2 million to climate research through their own donations and proceeds from their fundraising initiatives.
Website: https://great.com/great-talks-with/coderdojo-czech-republic/
Podcast app links: https://linktr.ee/gtalks
