An estimated 155,000 people across the EU are expected to take part in Europe Code Week, aimed at highlighting what is being described as the ‘new third literacy’. Some 155 events will take place in 14 countries.
The aim of Europe Code Week is to increase awareness of and build interest in computer programming.
Across Ireland, primary school children in their classrooms and pensioners in their active retirement groups from Donegal to Valentia Island have registered to take part.
CoderDojo, Scratch and Robotics events are happening in schools, community centres and computer clubs all over the country.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny, TD, highlighted the importance of the new third literacy.
Ireland is widely regarded in Europe for being the birthplace of CoderDojo, and so the goal of the Irish team is to see Ireland as the European ‘hub’ for coding.
It is just over two years since the first CoderDojo took place in Cork. Since then, the movement has grown to become a global phenomenon. On any given Saturday, between 10,000 and 20,000 children worldwide are taught to code in more than 120 dojos in 26 countries, including places such as LA, Silicon Valley, Tokyo, Africa and the Caribbean – all on a voluntary basis.
“Ireland needs to meet the challenges facing our young people today head on and ensure our students have the opportunities though education to develop the key skills required to do this,” Kenny said. “Developing ICT skills in students will lead to graduates with the knowledge and skill sets to meet the needs of a modern economy.”
Coder image via Shutterstock
