Press Release: OurKidsCode Empowers Irish Families Through Creative Coding
A new report highlights the success of the OurKidsCode initiative, which promotes creative coding workshops and clubs for families across Ireland. The project, spearheaded by the School of Computer Science and Statistics at Trinity College Dublin, emphasizes parental involvement, with an impressive 72% of participating parents being mothers.
Operating in partnership with county councils and leveraging community resources, OurKidsCode aims to foster a proactive approach to technology among families. The initiative offers facilitator-led workshops and a "Start a Club" program, which encourages the establishment of parent-led creative coding clubs for primary-level children. These hands-on workshops are hosted in accessible venues such as libraries and community centres, allowing families to engage with technology in an informal setting.
Creative coding, which merges programming with arts and crafts, captivates parents seeking to shift their children’s digital experience from passive consumption to active creation. Notably, since its collaboration with Microsoft Dream Space in 2022, the initiative has provided invaluable STEM opportunities to rural communities.
The report reveals that 5,240 parents and children from 111 locations have participated, with 55% of attendees being female. This participation challenges existing gender stereotypes in computing. Dr. Nina Bresnihan, project lead at OurKidsCode, noted the initiative’s impact on boosting parental confidence in technology, fostering family engagement, and encouraging young girls to consider STEAM careers.
Rona Toft, a participant and club leader in Co. Tipperary, expressed the joy of learning alongside her children in a supportive environment, highlighting the confidence gained through creative projects.
For more information, the full OurKidsCode 2021-2024 Impact Report is available for download at www.ourkidscode.ie/impact.
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