Coder Dojo Birr set to spark IT skills in young people
Volunteer club to encourage budding tech talent
TechLife | 20 Sep 2012 : Budding IT professionals in Offaly are being given a unique opportunity to learn computer coding skills for free at a new Coder Dojo club based in Birr Technology Centre this Autumn. The not-for-profit coding camp is supported by Shannon Development and Offaly County Enterprise Board.Coder Dojos are free after-school programmes for eight- to 18- year-olds taught by volunteers. The Birr branch has been set-up by Deardriu Lally, project manager with Ericsson, Declan Lally, IT Specialist with IBM Dublin, Laura Dargan, business lecturer in LIT and Denis Duggan, manager of Shannon Development’s Birr Technology Centre. To date a team of 16 mentors has been recruited.
Speaking at the launch, Minister of State at the Dept of Education and Skills Ciaran Cannon said: “At Coder Dojo Birr young people will learn the rudiments of computer programming using these skills to develop websites, mobile apps and games. It is an entrepreneur-led initiative that requires the support of the local business community and organisations such as Shannon Development and Offaly County Enterprise Board.”
Deardriu Lally said: “Coder Dojo creates an environment where people who love technology can share that love with the next generation. As Will.i.am says, ‘Coders are the future rock stars’. We are very fortunate in Birr to have the support of Shannon Development and Offaly County Enterprise Board, along with Nueda and our other sponsors. On behalf of Coder Dojo Birr mentors, parents and children, I’d like to thank Shannon Development for their support and use of Birr Technology Centre and to thank Offaly County Enterprise Board for their financial support in acquiring much needed equipment to enhance the Dojo for all children.”
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Coding The Future 