Opportunity for young coders

April 26, 2022 BY

Kristian, Esther and Eli enjoy the CoderDojo program at Ballan Library. Photo - submitted

By Lachlan Ellis

Information Technology (IT) is an industry that doesn’t look like slowing down any time soon, and young Mooraboolites now have the chance to learn about coding for free in a fun, relaxed environment.

CoderDojo is a global program of free programming workshops, and thanks to local volunteers, a Ballan chapter of the program has opened this year, open to ages 7 to 18.

Patrick Bonello is a Ballan resident and also a mentor for ‘CoderDojo @ Ballan Library’, and said the sessions offered a useful start to coding.

“The CoderDojo is about giving kids a space to be able to be creative with coding, so either learning how to make games, or program little robots. It’s a location for kids that maybe don’t fit into that traditional sporting environment, but want to be able to interact and engage, and learn how to code in a space that’s really conducive,” Mr Bonello told the Moorabool News.

“It’s about the kids deciding what they want to do, it’s not a classroom. Essentially, it’s a club for kids to get together and learn how to code. Technology is such a part of our integrated lifestyle, that getting kids involved can set them up for a career in something they’re really passionate about.”

Mr Bonello said it wasn’t unusual for the sessions that have been run so far to be at capacity, and hoped more volunteer mentors would get on-board in the future, to give more kids the opportunity to get involved.

Ashley Nicholls, who moved to Ballan less than three years ago, has been a driving figure in getting the program organised in Ballan.

To read the full story – Simply click on the following link

https://issuu.com/themooraboolnews/docs/mn_2022-04-26/12

in the 26 April 2022 edition
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