What is CoderDojo?

CoderDojo Anvil, Indiana, USA
What is CoderDojo?
CoderDojo Nürnberg, Germany

Why is computer literacy important?

Computing is an increasingly important form of literacy. Code is part of a booming industry, with a growing skills gap. There are more tech jobs in Ireland than there are qualified candidates to fill them. Code will be used to help solve global problems. Unforeseen employment opportunities will continue to be created with code. Code is good for your brain – whether it’s solving a problem for a personal indie game or building the next big industry.

There is a looming skills gap

  • 90% of Canadian firms surveyed said they have some form of IT skills gap. (CompTIA survey)
  • 55% of Canadian Chief Information Officers (CIOs) say it’s difficult to find skilled tech professionals today. (Robert Half Technology)
  • 2%-3% The unemployment rate in the Information and Communications Technology and Digital Media industries, statistically viewed as full employment. (Information Technology Association of Canada (ITAC) and Entertainment Software Association of Canada (ESAC) White Paper)
  • 2.7 million Canadians are self-employed entrepreneurs or 8% of the total population. (Statistics Canada)

How can we fix this gap?

It is our vision that every young Canadian has the opportunity to learn to code. We hear from teachers, students, and community organizations who want to start a code program but lack resources and training. To combat this, we have packaged our full-colour paper lesson plans into curriculum kits and are working with community organizations across the GTA to support their goals of starting their own computer literacy programs.

How can you help?

By volunteering to mentor young people at our regular monthly meet-up, or at one of our special community events. Moreso, we looking for dedicated members who can help build CoderDojo in GTA and Canada by joining our team. Current support roles are available in curating and creating resources, and helping secure funding sources.

Did you know?

Fun fact about CoderDojo

CoderDojo has been around for a long time so there is a lot of history. Here are some of the fun bits.

The first Dojo

The first ever Dojo took place in the National Science Center Cork on the 23rd July 2011.

Be cool!

CoderDojo has only one rule, be cool! Everyone is here to learn and make cool things.

An iPod Nano

James Whelton hacked an iPod Nano and when people saw this, they wanted to learn how to code!