All posts by Sophie Ashford

Celebrating the community: Douglas and Oasis Mathare

Post Syndicated from Sophie Ashford original https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/celebrating-the-community-douglas-and-oasis-mathare/

We love hearing from members of the community and sharing the stories of amazing young people, volunteers, and educators who are using their passion for technology to create positive change in the world around them.

Last year, we shared the story of Douglas, founder and director of Oasis Mathare, an organisation using technology to open doors for young people in one of Nairobi’s largest informal settlements. 

In our latest community story, we meet Douglas again, this time alongside the mentors and young people at the heart of Oasis Mathare’s Code Clubs. 

Together, they share what coding really means for a community where most young people don’t finish formal education, and where the opportunity to learn a new skill can genuinely change the course of a life.

Douglas’ motivation

Douglas has always been clear about why technology sits at the heart of everything Oasis Mathare does.

“Technology does not have a boundary. It knows no gender, no race. As long as you have access to a computer, you have access to the internet, and you’re being guided, the opportunities are limitless.”

This belief didn’t come from his own journey with formal education — it came from an internet cafe and a lot of curiosity and independent learning. Douglas grew up in Mathare knowing that most young people there were not likely to finish formal education. Rather than seeing that as inevitable, he saw it as a hurdle to overcome.

Douglas smiling and talking with young people outside Oasis Mathare.

“I used to go to a nearby internet café where I learned some basic graphic design and got my first employment with no formal training. And I realised it’s really possible to gain a decent livelihood with just skills.”

What Code Club looks like in Mathare

Oasis Mathare now runs Code Clubs in schools and at its own centre, introducing children to programming long before they might encounter it anywhere else. Code Club and the Raspberry Pi Foundation’s learning pathways have become key drivers of the positive impact.

Douglas looking out over Mathare.

“The resources that we use from [the Foundation] are structured in a really creative way to help kids learn. Initially we had developed curricula to run a Code Club, there were some missing pieces, but now with the Raspberry Pi Foundation pathways, it has sort of bridged the gap that we were facing.”

Students becoming mentors

Perhaps the most powerful thing happening at Oasis Mathare right now is the pipeline forming from learners to leaders. Many young people who come through Code Club go on to volunteer, becoming role models for the children sitting where they once sat.

“It feels so nice seeing students becoming mentors. They act as role models to the Code Club participants. As they are being mentors, it improves their communication and delivery. We are giving them opportunities to work with us to sharpen their skills so that they can get to a greener pasture.”

Keziah, a mentor, shared what drew them to Code Club:

“Being idle around the community can lead to so many negative impacts, so I decided to join Code Club to volunteer, hoping to have a better connection and career growth.”

Four young people working together at a laptop.

Faith, a student and mentor, shared a key discovery:

“My thought was like coding is only for genius kids and the smart ones. But I will encourage a young learner to actually partake in this. Coding is not hard. It’s actually fun.”

Hope, another mentor, shared just how impactful being a part of a young person’s journey can be:

“The moment the kids realised they belong to a Code Club is when I see their face light up when their projects run. They made me feel achieved. They made me feel, as a facilitator, as a good mentor. And that’s changed me.”

It’s a reminder that Code Club isn’t just about code. It’s about what happens to a young person’s sense of themselves when they build something that works.

A message to young people everywhere

Douglas shared his wish for any young person living in an underserved community who feels like their future has already been written for them.

Douglas leading a Code Club session in a classroom.

“For any young person from Mathare or any other underserved community around the globe who feels that their future is limited, I would like to tell you that it is really possible. It is really possible to change your life, as long as you have a positive mind, you have hope, and you’re working hard.”

Inspired to make an impact in your community?

Douglas and the team at Oasis Mathare are proof of what’s possible when young people have access to learning resources, guidance, and belief. You can find out more about their work at oasismathare.org.

If their story has inspired you to bring coding to young people in your own community, Code Club makes it straightforward to get started, with free resources, training, and a supportive global community behind you. Find out more at codeclub.org.

The post Celebrating the community: Douglas and Oasis Mathare appeared first on Raspberry Pi Foundation.

Robots, games, AI, and more at Coolest Projects UK 2026

Post Syndicated from Sophie Ashford original https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/robots-games-ai-and-more-at-coolest-projects-uk-2026/

Coolest Projects UK returned to Bradford in May, with more than 200 young people showcasing digital projects they had designed and built themselves.

Visitors at the showcase event had the chance to explore an amazing range of projects across categories, from Scratch and Python to AI, hardware, web design, and game development. Every participant had the opportunity to speak with judges and industry professionals, receive personalised feedback, and connect with other young people passionate about technology and creativity. 

Throughout the day, participants also got stuck into hands-on digital activities designed to encourage collaboration and creative thinking.

A showcase built by young people

This year’s creators came from a wide range of backgrounds, including Code Clubs, schools, Scout groups, CoderDojos, and independent learning environments. Some had spent months refining their projects, while others had only recently started their coding journey. What connected them all was a shared excitement for creating with technology.

Ahead of the event, local workshops held in Bradford gave young people additional opportunities to explore digital making, develop project ideas, and gain confidence ahead of showcasing their work publicly. These sessions helped many first-time participants take their first steps into coding and creative technology.

Scouts level up their skills at a hands-on digital making workshop

A key part of this year’s event was the involvement of 57 Scouts from across the region. Young people from six Yorkshire-based Scout groups attended digital making workshops. During the sessions, they learned how to create their own selfie filters using Scratch’s AI-facial recognition tools, earning their DM1 Digital Maker badges. After developing their own ideas and projects during the workshops, they exhibited a selection of them in the Coolest Projects showcase alongside the wider community of young creators.

For many of the Scouts attending, this was their first experience of presenting a technology project to the public. It gave them a fantastic opportunity to build confidence, talk about their ideas, and see how digital making turns imagination into reality.

Scouts at Coolest Projects UK

Throughout the event, Greg Foot, BBC science presenter, brought energy and enthusiasm to the stage, interviewing creators, celebrating achievements, and highlighting the stories behind the projects on display. The day concluded with a celebration ceremony where every participant received recognition for their work, with creators of the judges’ favourite projects also receiving additional awards.

The showcase featured an inspiring range of ideas and inventions created by young people from across the UK. Here are just a few of the projects presented during the event:

Seth | Pop Bot, Hardware

This project is a robotic reminder system that recognises people’s faces and plays a personalised reminder message. Using sensors, lights, sounds, and moving parts, the robot reacts when someone comes close and activates a camera for face recognition. Seth built the robot using boxes and tubes, while also using AI face recognition and recorded audio messages to create an interactive experience. Seth shared some of the challenges he faced with the facial recognition system.

“Our facial recognition system kept getting confused, so we took more photos to help it recognise better. We used different backgrounds, clothes and lighting to help it recognise our faces better, but we also took new photos when we got to Coolest Projects, so it would work better in front of the judges.”

Seth wasn’t just excited to share his project with his fellow creators, but with host Greg Foot too, bringing a little surprise along for Greg on the day.

“I have always wanted to go to an event which has lots of people and showcases everyone’s work, and wanted to meet Greg Foot too. I built a giant Scratch block made from Duplo and Lego to give to Greg Foot. I didn’t have all the right sizes so I made a custom part with modelling clay and I reinforced it using sticky back plastic, then I asked my mum to write on it so that it looked like it coded Greg to smile.”

Seth at Coolest Projects UK with Greg Foot

Chinemerem | Immune System Defence, Games

Immune System Defence is a Roblox game where players protect the human heart from waves of incoming viruses. Using white blood cells, vitamin boosts and other defensive towers, players must stop the spread of infection while learning about how the immune system works. The game is designed to be both fun and educational, combining strategy and science in an exciting gameplay experience.

Chinemerem'S Immune System Defence game at Coolest Projects UK

“I got the idea for the project from my Science lessons at school — specifically the ones where we’d learned the parts of blood and the functions of the heart as a related topic on how white blood cells and the immune system protects the body. One of my favourite parts was seeing people scan my QR code and actually play my game live during the showcase.”

Gabriel | Fossil Roulette, Scratch

Gabriel created a Scratch game that teaches players how rare the fossilisation process is. Players choose between an ammonite, belemnite, or trilobite and then spin three roulette wheels representing different stages of fossilisation. Gabriel was inspired by a board game he saw at the Fossil Festival in Lyme Regis and adapted the idea into his own interactive game with new features such as the roulette wheels.

Gabriel at Coolest Projects UK

“The roulette wheel was the hardest to code because I had to make it spin faster at the beginning and then slow down. I found the event [Coolest Projects] very exciting because at one point I had a queue of people wanting to try out my game!”

More Coolest Projects showcases

Each year, Coolest Projects highlights the creativity, curiosity, and technical skills young people bring to digital making. From games and AI experiments to interactive hardware builds, the event continues to inspire more young people to see themselves as creators of technology, not just consumers of it.

While the UK event has now wrapped up for 2026, Coolest Projects showcases continue around the world throughout the year.

Find out more at Coolest Projects

Keep creating with Code Club

Coolest Projects is part of our wider work to help every young person gain access to computing and digital creativity opportunities. At thousands of free Code Clubs running across the UK, Ireland, and around the world, young people can continue building projects, learning new skills, and creating alongside others in supportive community spaces.

To find a local club or learn how to volunteer, visit the Code Club website.

The post Robots, games, AI, and more at Coolest Projects UK 2026 appeared first on Raspberry Pi Foundation.

A day of big ideas at Coolest Projects USA Minnesota 2026

Post Syndicated from Sophie Ashford original https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/a-day-of-big-ideas-at-coolest-projects-usa-minnesota-2026/

Coolest Projects USA Minnesota returned for its second year in the state on 11 April, with the celebration of creativity and coding coming to the Science Museum of Minnesota once again.

At its heart, Coolest Projects is about giving young tech creators the opportunity to be seen and heard, and to share something they’ve made and be celebrated for it, regardless of their experience level. With some joining in for the first time and others returning to showcase their latest build, every participant played a part in making the day special.

A group of children standing together at Coolest Projects event.

The event welcomed 65 participants and over 150 showcase visitors, with creators talking through their ideas, the challenges they had faced, and what they had learned along the way. Visitors explored the showcase, tried out hands-on activities, and connected with a community brought together by a want to celebrate the incredible things young people can do when given the opportunity.

Coding for a social purpose

A key moment in the day was the presentation of the Broadcom Foundation Coding with Commitment® award, celebrating a project that uses technology to make a positive difference.

This year’s recognition went to Rikita for her project ‘Smart Electronic Fruit Sorter — An affordable assistive technology for visually impaired people’.

The project is a fruit sorter designed to help visually impaired people identify fresh produce. Using a microcontroller and a gas sensor, the Fruit Sorter detects whether fruit is good or spoiled, triggering lights, sounds, and a servomechanism to either keep or discard the fruit.

Rikita overcame many challenges when building her project. She told us more about her experiences:

“First, I started out with a sorter made out of foam. However, when testing, I realised that the sorter would not bear the weight of the fruit. Then, I pivoted to 3D printing the sorter parts.
I also faced trouble with the electronics not working. I constantly played around with the connections and got it working. YouTube videos were of great help in guiding me!”

Two people holding a certificate in front of a Broadcom banner.

The award highlights how young people are not just learning to code, but using those skills to explore real-world challenges and ideas that matter to them. Rikita shared how she felt about receiving the award:

“I felt very happy and it has motivated me to continue my journey of inventions further. I did not expect the award, and so it was a very pleasant surprise.”

Celebrating ideas big and small

With entries spanning multiple categories, the event featured a wide variety of creative and technical work. Here are a few highlights.

ZaLayaa | FIND ME ASAP, AI

FIND ME ASAP is an emergency resource platform designed to help parents and guardians act quickly and effectively in the critical first moments after a child goes missing. Built by ZaLayaa in just 15 days, it goes beyond static guides by offering real-time, tailored support that people can use in high-stress situations. The platform is intentionally inclusive, recognising groups that can often be overlooked in emergencies, with features that consider children with invisible disabilities, complex medical needs, and rare health conditions, for example. Inspired by her own experiences navigating the world with multiple invisible conditions, ZaLayaa created FIND ME ASAP to fill a vital gap.

ZaLayaa shared what she found most challenging in building her project:

“My biggest challenge was making sure everything was actually real, correct, and useful, not just something that looks good.

This isn’t just information. It has to work when someone is stressed, scared, and trying to make fast decisions.”

ZaLayaa also explained what she enjoyed most about taking part in Coolest Projects:

“My favorite thing was the experience and all the lovely people there. It was really cool seeing all the different projects and what other kids built, and being in a room where it was all kids creating and sharing their ideas.”

You can find out more about ZaLayaa’s project at findmeasap.com.

Lawrence | Find the Chomiks, Scratch

Lawrence’s project is a fun exploration game he built using Scratch. You control a character, roam around the map, and hunt for hidden chomiks, each one with its own quirky look. It’s all about exploring, discovering, and collecting them all.

Lawrence shared some of the challenges he faced along the way:

“It was really hard switching between settings. I overcame [the challenges] by looking for bugs within my code, but when I figured that out, I was able to complete my game.”

Karin | Princess Maze, Scratch

Karin created Princess Maze, a Scratch game where players navigate four maze levels and battle a witch to win, or risk being trapped. During development, a bug allowed players to win even after being hit, which she fixed by using a ‘forever’ block to properly detect collisions.

Karin shared why she wanted to take part in Coolest Projects:

“I found out about it through The Bakken Museum and I thought, ‘Why not? I love coding.’ My favorite thing about the day was seeing all the different projects.”

Caroline | Terrapod, AI

Caroline created Terrapod to make plant care more accessible, especially for people who are too busy or physically unable to tend to their plants. It aims to provide a solution that allows plants to be cared for even when their owners can’t, making plant growing easier for everyone. She told us:

“I think our biggest problem was the wire management. We numbered them to be organised into numbered groups, but I’ve seen others do symbols like stars, which I think is really cool!”

A "Terrapod" project, featuring a fish tank full of plants.

Adelle, Nessa, and Matilda | Fashion Show Drama, Scratch

Adelle, Nessa, and Matilda created a Scratch project that tells the story of two performers, Charlie and Emma. Charlie struggles with stage fright that Emma only discovers just before their performance. With Emma’s support, Charlie overcomes her fear and is able to go on stage.

Nessa shared a challenge the team tackled during their build:

“One challenge was learning how to convert images from a JPEG to a PNG for the sprites to have a dress costume change. We wanted to show a difference between before the show and then preparing to go on stage. We found dress pictures on the internet and then we had to figure out how to make it look like they were actually wearing the dresses so it wasn’t just a copied picture with a white square background. We overcame it by our mentor helping us remove the background in Canva.”

Matilda also told us how the girls found working as a part of a team:

“We each had a part so each of our voices could be heard. We all had a say in what was going on. Nessa was the fashion designer. Adelle was the coder. I was the visionary! It was easier to work on this project in a group than alone.”

Three children standing in front of their project at Coolest Projects event.

Thank you

We’d like to say a big thank you to all the young people who shared their projects, the families and mentors who supported them, and the volunteers and partners who made the event possible.

We would also like to thank Broadcom Foundation and Best Buy Co., Inc. for their continued support of Coolest Projects.

There’s still time to get involved in Coolest Projects 2026

If you would like to take part in Coolest Projects this year, there are still ways to get involved:

  • Young creators anywhere in the world can take part in the Coolest Projects 2026 online showcase. Entries close on 27 May.
  • Young people in several countries can participate in local events taking place around the world over the rest of the year, including Coolest Projects UK in Bradford on 16 May and Coolest Projects Canada in Vancouver on 30 May.

You can find out more at coolestprojects.org.

The post A day of big ideas at Coolest Projects USA Minnesota 2026 appeared first on Raspberry Pi Foundation.

Many paths into mentoring: Building inclusive Code Clubs in Glasgow

Post Syndicated from Sophie Ashford original https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/many-paths-into-mentoring-building-inclusive-code-clubs-in-glasgow/

Across Glasgow’s libraries, Code Clubs are opening doors for young people to explore creativity, problem-solving, and confidence through coding. Behind many of these sessions is Claire Quigley, who supports volunteers and helps Code Clubs thrive in community spaces across the city.

Claire Quigley

Claire’s story challenges the idea that there is only one route into technology or mentoring. With a background in computer science and a passion for teaching, she now helps create welcoming, inclusive environments where young people — and volunteers — from a wide range of backgrounds can belong.

From computing to community

Claire’s Code Club journey began long before she worked in libraries. With a degree and PhD in computer science, she spent time in academia before finding her way to community-based learning and volunteering. Teaching runs in her family, and sharing knowledge has always brought her joy. That’s why, after being introduced to CoderDojo (part of the Code Club community) through a friend, Claire began volunteering at club sessions.

“I had always intended to work in academia but, working as a postdoc for a couple of years, realised it wasn’t what I wanted to do long term. CoderDojo sessions gave me and the other volunteers a chance to look at more adventurous coding topics, without the constraints of curriculum and the time-pressure that teachers have to contend with.

“We were also able to engage with children and young people who were struggling with the formal education environment for a variety of reasons. Doing well at something they enjoyed increased their confidence and was often a factor in helping them become more engaged at school.”

Young learner at a Code Club in Glasgow

Becoming a Code Club volunteer eventually led Claire to her current role coordinating Code Clubs across Glasgow Life venues, including Mitchell Library, Gorbals, Drumchapel, and beyond.

“Working with Glasgow Life colleagues across libraries, communities and museums has given me the chance to connect with children, young people and adults in a non-threatening environment. Mixing coding with mediaeval manuscripts, wearable tech, poetry or electronic music has allowed people to approach a topic they hadn’t considered interesting or understandable and make some really original and fun things.”

Inside a Code Club session

Stepping into one of Claire’s Code Club sessions, you’ll find a mix of focus, laughter, and creative chaos. Young people gather around laptops in library spaces to build games and animations in Scratch, experiment with micro:bits, and help each other solve problems as they go.

Sessions vary by location and age group. Some run weekly, others every two weeks, and each has its own character — from younger children discovering coding for the first time to teenagers returning with ambitious ideas they want to bring to life.

“The clubs are quite varied, depending on location, size and the personality mix of the coders and volunteers. Some clubs are quieter, while others are very lively! Scratch features prominently in most clubs. The children really enjoy the way it allows them to bring in topics they’re interested in, design their own characters, or build games inspired by other games they’ve played.”

Young learners at a Code Club

For Claire, these sessions are about more than learning to code. They’re spaces where young people practise problem-solving, learn to ask for help, and gain confidence in sharing their ideas.

“Some coders come with a friend or have made friends at the club. So there are often children working together on a project, chatting to each other about what they’re working on, or showing each other how to do something.”

Inclusion, confidence, and belonging

Inclusion is core to Claire’s approach. From running all-girls sessions to supporting volunteers and young people with neurodivergence and other additional needs, her focus is on creating spaces where everyone feels welcome.

“One young coder who spends a lot of time in his local library after school, but can be a bit boisterous, agreed to come and join the club. Initially a bit hesitant, he soon displayed a real talent for solving coding puzzles.

“He was particularly proud when, encouraged to try the challenge level rather than skipping past it, he solved it quickly. We printed a Code Club ‘Problem-solving Champion’ certificate for him and he carefully folded it up to take home.“

Claire has seen firsthand how confidence can grow when people are given time, patience, and encouragement.

Volunteers: The backbone of Code Clubs

That sense of belonging doesn’t stop with young people — it extends to the volunteers who help make these spaces possible. For some volunteers, involvement in Code Club has been a stepping stone to employment, new skills, or a stronger sense of belonging.

Like many community programmes, Code Clubs in Glasgow were disrupted by the pandemic. It made one thing clear: clubs only work when volunteers are willing and supported to run them. With fewer library staff available to anchor sessions, rebuilding the clubs meant casting a wider net for volunteers. As a result, volunteers arrived with more diverse life experiences, ways of thinking, and approaches to problem-solving, which enriched the sessions and created more inclusive learning environments for young people.

Young learner at a Code Club

“I recruit mainly through the Glasgow Life volunteering website. I also advertise through STEM Ambassadors, via my contacts in local universities, colleges and tech companies, in the newsletter my colleague sends to students in the Glasgow Code Learning programme, and by putting up posters in libraries.

“I’m really keen to try and get a mixture of qualities in a team. I try to ensure at least one person is a confident programmer, who can help with trickier bugs and more advanced topics. However, I’m also keen to have volunteers who may not have so much of a technical background but are good at chatting to children and helping create a real sense of it being a club.“

Who makes a good Code Club volunteer?

One of the most important messages Claire wants to share is that there is no single type of Code Club volunteer. Students, career-changers, refugees, people returning to work, and neurodivergent people all bring valuable perspectives. While technical skills are helpful, Claire believes empathy, curiosity, and willingness to learn alongside young people are just as important.

“Finding out how to do something by searching online, asking other coders and the mentors is part of the code club experience (and the experience of being a professional programmer!) The main thing is not to be afraid to admit you don’t know something. Although this can be alarming at first, I’ve found the coders are happy to be told that I’ll look at it over the next week and report back. And that they should do the same so we can compare notes. And if they know how to do something that you don’t, they absolutely love explaining it to you!“

We asked Claire what she would say to someone who doesn’t see themselves as ‘technical enough’ but is curious about getting involved:

“The majority of library staff didn’t have any background in programming. They are simply happy to learn as they go along and help the children make their ideas come to life. In fact, one of these ‘non-technical’ staff ran a very popular and successful club and supported a team of coders to develop a project that [was chosen as a judges’ favourite] at Coolest Projects.”

As Code Clubs continue to grow and adapt, Claire hopes to see even more people step forward, especially those who might not immediately picture themselves in a mentoring or volunteering role.

Young learner at a Code Club

Where community impact begins — with people

By keeping Code Clubs rooted in libraries and community spaces, it is possible to reach people across a wide range of backgrounds and circumstances.

Claire’s story is a reminder that community impact is built by people who care and that supporting young people with coding is about far more than technology alone. It’s about confidence, connection, and opening doors.

For anyone curious about supporting young people with coding, there are many ways to get involved. You don’t need to be an expert, as mentors support young people by encouraging curiosity, helping build confidence, and learning alongside them. If you’d like to find out more about what mentoring looks like and the different ways you can contribute, visit the Code Club mentor page to explore guidance, training, and next steps.

The post Many paths into mentoring: Building inclusive Code Clubs in Glasgow appeared first on Raspberry Pi Foundation.

Marie’s story: Bringing coding to kids in Tottenham

Post Syndicated from Sophie Ashford original https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/maries-story-bringing-coding-to-kids-in-tottenham/

We love hearing from members of the community and sharing the stories of amazing young people, volunteers, and educators who are using their passion for technology to create positive change in the world around them.

Marie is a force of nature. As the founder of Breadline London, a grassroots community project in Haringey, she has spent years supporting families with essential services — she’s run a food bank, offered budgeting advice, and hosted well-being workshops. But when she heard about Code Club, she saw another way to help local children: by giving them the skills to shape their futures.

From community support to coding

Marie had no background in tech, but that didn’t stop her. She knew that many families in Tottenham couldn’t afford extracurricular activities like coding classes, and she was determined to change that.

“I’ve wanted a coding club for children, children in Tottenham, because that’s not something that is actually here,” she explains. “Unfortunately for us, we are on the very high end of poverty… and some of our children in this area don’t get the opportunity to attend things like coding club.”

With the support of Haringey Giving and the Raspberry Pi Foundation, Marie launched her Code Club at Tottenham Community Sports Centre. She started from scratch, learning alongside the kids, attending free training at the Raspberry Pi Foundation’s headquarters in Cambridge, and soaking up everything she could about coding.

“I don’t know anything about coding. Nothing. But going to the training days, it was so inspiring. I got so excited thinking, these are the things I can hopefully share with the children.”

Creating a space to experiment

Marie’s club is more than just learning how to code — it’s about teamwork, creativity, and confidence.

Marie helps a young learner with a coding task in her Code Club.

“They need to learn these skills outside of a school environment, outside of a place where it’s really structured. I want them to come in, experiment, make things up as they go along. Sometimes they follow instructions, but mostly, they just try things out.”

She also sees her role as a mentor, even if the kids sometimes know more than she does!

“Most of the children know more about coding than I do. So for me, it’s just about encouraging them: ‘What’s next? What else can you add to your project?’ And helping parents understand that they need to let the children create what they want to create, not just steer them.”

Discovering Coolest Projects

Marie’s journey didn’t stop with Code Club. When she learnt about Coolest Projects, a global showcase where kids celebrate what they’ve built with code, she knew she had to take her club to one of the in-person events.

Marie helps a young learner with a coding task in her Code Club.

“I was in Cambridge when I first heard about it, and this fabulous young woman spoke about Coolest Projects. I just felt so excited to take the children somewhere that’s just kids, just kids learning about coding and developing these amazing things. I even said, ‘Even if no one from my club comes, I’m going by myself!’”

Taking the kids to Coolest Projects was a game-changer. They saw what was possible, talked to other young coders, and left inspired.

“Next year, when we go again, everybody’s going to have a project. Seeing the kids’ faces when adults wanted to try their projects, it was so exciting for them!”

Making a change

Marie is proof that you don’t need to be a tech expert to start a Code Club — you just need passion and a willingness to learn.

Two educators are chatting at a workshop.

Marie’s message to others who are thinking about setting up a coding club but worry about their lack of experience is simple: 

“Start a [Code Club] because the children will help you to run [it]. They will help you. They will help each other. Don’t get put off running a coding club because you don’t know how to code. Because I don’t[…]and I love it.”

Marie’s story is a testament to what’s possible when someone believes in their community and takes action. She is creating opportunities for young people in Tottenham, giving them a space to learn, collaborate, and dream big regardless of their background. We can’t wait to see what her club achieves next!

For more information to help you set up a Code Club in your community, visit codeclub.org.

Help us celebrate Marie and her dedication to opening doors for young creators by sharing her story on X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and Facebook.

The post Marie’s story: Bringing coding to kids in Tottenham appeared first on Raspberry Pi Foundation.

Dedication to digital education in Bangladesh: Meet Shajan

Post Syndicated from Sophie Ashford original https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/dedication-to-digital-education-in-bangladesh-meet-shajan/

We love hearing from members of the community and sharing stories of amazing young people, volunteers, and educators who are using their passion for technology to create positive change in the world around them.

Today, we introduce Shajan, a digital storyteller and senior business advisor at the BBC, whose extraordinary personal and professional journey has led him to champion digital literacy for young people in Bangladesh.

Shajan at a computer.

Family roots in Bangladesh

Shajan is British-born, but his roots deeply connect him to Bangladesh. This connection was instilled by childhood holidays to Bangladesh, as well as his late father, who emigrated to the UK in the 1960s but always encouraged Shajan to maintain ties with the community he left behind. Shajan’s pull towards Bangladesh intensified after his father’s passing fifteen years ago. 

“I always thought I’d like to do something, carry on the work he left behind with efforts in building schools and supporting his local community.”

The memory of his sister Khela, who passed away at just 12 years old while in Bangladesh, also motivates Shajan. He says, “She was a really creative person, really into her arts and crafts and learning.”  

Khela’s loss fuels Shajan’s desire to do something specifically for the young people of Bangladesh, connecting with their potential for creativity and learning.

Setting off on a new path

Shajan’s 15 years of working for the BBC led him to discover the power of digital education. In 2015, he project-managed the BBC’s “Make It Digital” campaign, a UK-wide initiative addressing the National Digital Skills Gap. 

As part of this, he led partnerships with organisations like Code Club. 

“That experience showed me how digital tools could unlock creativity in young people and build their confidence.”

During his visits to Bangladesh, Shajan observed a widening digital divide. Young people, especially in rural areas, lacked access to basic internet and computers. Teachers faced heavy workloads, and many students needed to pause their education to support their families. Seeing no equivalent to Code Club in Bangladesh to inspire young people, Shajan felt he had to act. Before he knew it, he was requesting a six-month career break. 

“I said, ‘This is what I always wanted to do. If I don’t do it now, I will miss the opportunity.’” 

With the support of both the BBC and Code Club, Shajan packed his bags and moved to Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh.

Creating a movement

Shajan’s initial goal was to raise awareness and build a sustainable model for Code Club in Bangladesh. Recognising that teachers needed support to run clubs, Shajan’s strategy was to engage university students as volunteers. He organised a national coding festival, leveraging these student volunteers to connect with schools and prepare young participants for a Scratch-based project challenge. The event received lots of media attention, encouraging interest and inspiring a new generation of coders.

Students at Code Club Bangladesh.

However, there were some hurdles that had to be worked around, including unreliable internet connections, limited access to computers, and unstable electricity supply. Beyond practical challenges, Shajan faced a crucial mindset shift. 

“Not everybody’s convinced yet that their children should be doing coding. For many families, generating immediate income takes precedence over digital education. Balancing the need to put food on the table with the long-term benefits of coding remains a constant battle.”

Despite these obstacles, Shajan’s efforts proved successful. Some of the creators from the 2016–2017 classes, now in their twenties, have pursued computer science and now share how Code Club helped them on their paths. He also organised an incredible exchange program, bringing creators and mentors from Code Club South Korea to Bangladesh for a seven-day visit. Despite not sharing a language, creators connected through the language of code, an experience Shajan describes as inspiring for the young people and adults alike.

Students from South Korea visiting Code Club Bangladesh.

A new chapter

Shajan’s focus now is to launch a Coolest Projects event in Sylhet, the place his father was born and a region he wants to focus on before taking Coolest Projects national as well.

He is actively engaging with teachers and student volunteers across the city, with strong support from Nooraiya Khan, an ICT Lecturer with a background in computer science. Nooraiya is working hard with Shajan to co-lead all Code Club activities in Bangladesh, bringing valuable expertise and shared passion to the movement.

Shajan believes the current digital landscape offers new opportunities. He is a strong advocate for the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, viewing it as a way to help bring opportunities to all young people. He plans to introduce AI-focused Code Club projects to Bangladesh, ensuring the next generation is prepared for a future driven by technology.

For Shajan, Code Club Bangladesh is “for everybody”. He wants to ensure that no child, especially girls and those from underserved communities, is left behind. He would welcome anyone interested in helping the young people of Bangladesh, including teachers, educators, tech professionals, and government bodies, to join Code Club Bangladesh’s journey.

If you’d like to support young people in your community to explore coding, why not start a Code Club? The team will support you every step of the way with resources, training, and a collaborative community.

Find out more on the Code Club website.

The post Dedication to digital education in Bangladesh: Meet Shajan appeared first on Raspberry Pi Foundation.

From coder to mentor: Meet Isabelle

Post Syndicated from Sophie Ashford original https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/from-coder-to-mentor-meet-isabelle/

We love hearing from members of the community and sharing stories of amazing young people, volunteers, and educators who are using their passion for technology to create positive change in the world around them.

Meet Isabelle, a youth mentor at a library Code Club, whose inspiring story tells how a passion for helping others and a love for reading led back to a childhood interest, shaping an unexpected and rewarding journey.

Isabelle celebrating her 18th birthday.

Saturdays spent at the library

Isabelle’s coding journey began around the age of nine. An avid reader, she regularly attended her local library in Stourbridge with her gran. When they saw there was a Code Club held on a Saturday morning, they both decided it might be a good skill for Isabelle to learn.

“I used to have like an entire folder of all the projects I’d completed. I’ve still got it somewhere in my room!” 

She quickly progressed through Scratch, Python, and HTML, even finding herself teaching the adults at the club at some points! But, as secondary school approached, her involvement naturally tapered off as she began to focus on her studies.

A return through volunteering 

In secondary school, Isabelle was looking for volunteering opportunities as part of her Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) award. Remembering her positive experiences at the library, and continued love of books, she initially considered volunteering there. Then, she had an idea.

“I suddenly thought ‘What if they still do Code Club?’ I really enjoyed it when I did it and I still remembered enough about it to help others. So, I felt like I could actually be useful instead.”

Isabelle reached out, and thanks to her gran’s long-standing connection with the library, she was remembered and welcomed back. What started as a three-month commitment for her DofE award soon extended to six. 

“I really looked forward to each session at the library and decided to stick with it for the whole time.”

Embracing the chaos and connection

Isabelle’s return coincided with the Code Club restarting. Stepping into a mentoring role, she quickly found herself in the thick of it. With five computers and a group of new young people, most of whom had no prior coding experience, the first sessions were a whirlwind. 

“It’s like the best kind of chaos. It doesn’t get easier as such. But it’s so fun meeting these new kids, they’re all different and they bounce off each other.”

She works closely with Lucy, the club leader, helping manage the flow of projects and supporting the children as they navigate everything from creating Scratch accounts to tackling challenging projects.

Isabelle at her club in Stourbridge with Code Club Community Coordinator Rujeko.
Isabelle with Lucy, Stourbridge Library Assistant, and Rujeko, Code Club Community Coordinator

More than just code

While the technical skills are central, Isabelle emphasises that Code Club offers so much more. She’s seen shy children blossom, making new friends and becoming more involved.

“I think there’s the whole element of socialising as well. And beyond coding, kids develop essential IT skills, like learning how to use a mouse and keyboard. Something many who just use tablets and phones don’t know!”

Four years and counting  

Isabelle, now preparing to go on to further education, could not have predicted how her mentoring journey would turn out. What began as a three-month DofE requirement has turned into a four-year commitment. 

“It has just never been something that I thought ‘oh, I don’t want to do this anymore’. It’s just part of the weekly routine now. It’s been four years and it’s shocking how quickly it’s gone.”

Isabelle’s dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. She’s built strong bonds with the staff and gained invaluable experience. She’s learned to organise, work in a team, and even run sessions independently, developing skills that will be invaluable for her future.

“I like the bond that I have with the staff and with Lucy. It feels great to be trusted that much and it has just been such a nice experience.” 

Lucy, Stourbridge Code Club leader and Library Assistant, shared her experience with the club and collaborating.

“Since Code Club offers so much more than just coding — confidence building, creativity, friendship, etc. — it plays an important role for children and young people in the community. The library is much more than just a place for books, and hosting Code Club here creates a welcoming space where young people can explore technology away from the classroom.”

“Isabelle has been absolutely fantastic both in supporting us with club admin as well as supporting the children with their coding! She understands the projects inside and out and is brilliant at not only solving problems, but also, importantly, encouraging the club to find ways of solving problems themselves. Our Code Club couldn’t have become what it is today without her input!”

Isabelle’s advice for future mentors

As Isabelle prepares to head off to the Bath Spa University to study media communications and publishing, she offers this advice for other young people considering becoming a Code Club mentor…”just go for it!” 

Isabelle admits to being anxious at times, but the experience has significantly boosted her confidence. 

“It built my confidence a bit more. You make friends along the way and you learn a lot of new things. And don’t worry if you don’t have a lot of coding experience. I don’t think you need it. I had a little bit but I was still basing it mainly off of reading the project instructions. And in all fairness, the instructions are really helpful!”

Mentoring at Code Club isn’t just about teaching, it’s about learning, growing, and connecting. It’s an opportunity to give back, build confidence, and discover the joy in supporting the next generation of digital creators. As Isabelle’s journey shows, sometimes the most rewarding paths are the ones you never planned to take.

Lucy shared why she thinks having youth mentors involved with Code Club is such an important dynamic.

“Youth mentors are great as role models and inspiration for children, and as a young person themselves they build such a great rapport with the club members. A mentor who’s closer to their age often feels more approachable, which helps create a comfortable and encouraging environment for them.”

If Isabelle’s story has inspired you, why not explore the world of coding? You can get started at home with over 250 free projects on the Code Club Projects website.

Looking for a little extra support in your own coding journey or open to mentoring others? Join a Code Club near you to meet a like-minded and supportive community.

The post From coder to mentor: Meet Isabelle appeared first on Raspberry Pi Foundation.

Creating a space for connection and code: Meet Seung Woo (Tony), Canada

Post Syndicated from Sophie Ashford original https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/creating-a-space-for-connection-and-code-meet-seung-woo-tony-canada/

We love hearing from members of the community and sharing the stories of amazing young people, volunteers, and educators who are using their passion for technology to create positive change in the world around them.

Seung Woo, also known as Tony, is a 17-year-old student from Canada and the co-founder of his school’s Code Club, alongside his teacher, Kay. A curious and driven teen with big ambitions in computer science, Tony is not only passionate about technology, but also dedicated to building a safe, welcoming space where others can learn, explore, and grow alongside him.

Tony working on a programming project using a laptop.

A spark of inspiration

Tony’s fascination with computers started early, driven by his love of video games, coding, and, perhaps most memorably, his admiration for Tony Stark, the comic-book and film character who becomes the superhero Iron Man! The idea of building something powerful from scratch stuck with him.

“My whole life, I have been curious about the inner workings of a computer and my inspiration for coding is Tony Stark or Iron Man from the Marvel Cinematic Universe!”

Tony’s early coding journey wasn’t without its challenges. Finding the right resources was difficult, and staying motivated during tough moments was often hard without a support system.

“Like many others, I was independently taught, and during this time of independent learning I’d find many different roadblocks and challenges that I had to overcome alone. A big setback for me was finding the right resources in order to learn how to code. Another big obstacle for me was motivation. I would find myself losing interest in a project. I didn’t have the exterior motivation to help me push through the inevitable hardships that come with coding.”

That’s where the idea for a coding club began to take shape.

Creating a community of coders

Tony co-founded the Code Club at Collège Jeanne-Sauvé in December 2024 with that exact vision in mind — he wanted to provide a fun, collaborative, and welcoming environment where students of all skill levels could explore their love of technology together.

“I created the coding club to help everyone on their journey of computer science, no matter their skill level, and that is exactly what it is turning out to be. Finding resources is easier than ever with a teacher and all of the amazing members.”

Tony’s teacher and co-founder, Kay, shared why Code Club was the right fit for the school.

“I thought Code Club was the best way to start our club for a few reasons. The amount of coding language options was varied and appealed to the different learners in our club. It was also important for us to promote our club and let our community know about the presence of a coding club in our school, and Code Club helped us do so via their online presence.”

What makes Code Club special

For Tony, the secret ingredient behind his club’s success is simple: teamwork.

“Without teamwork, our club wouldn’t really be a club, it would simply be an ensemble of people coding in their own little cubicles, much like a stereotypical office job, and to me, that does not sound too enjoyable. Teamwork is our little secret ingredient in problem-solving and building motivation, we embrace it by creating a safe space where everyone can speak their minds without judgement!”

Members are free to choose their own learning paths. No matter the project, the atmosphere is always filled with laughter, energy, and curiosity.

“Coding should be something that is fun — not stressful like others may make it seem. Celebrating achievements, making short term goals, and problem solving with friends are all great ways that we make coding fun in our club. A second word would be teamwork. Without teamwork, our club wouldn’t really be a club.”

Teamwork, he adds, transforms what could be a solitary activity into something social and deeply motivating.

Looking to the future

Tony hopes the club will continue to grow, bringing more students into the world of coding and helping them feel at home in it. His story is a great reminder that learning to code isn’t just about computers — it’s about building community, confidence, and creativity.

“I wanted to create a space where everyone would be accepted and encouraged to learn more about coding and not be ashamed to ‘nerd out’ about this subject like I do very frequently. I’ve dreamed of creating a space that embraces this beautiful passion.”

If you’d like to explore coding, you can get started at home with over 250 free projects. 

For a little more support, or if you’re open to mentoring others, you can also join a Code Club. Check our website to find a club near you and become part of a like-minded and welcoming community.

The post Creating a space for connection and code: Meet Seung Woo (Tony), Canada appeared first on Raspberry Pi Foundation.

Giving back through Code Club | Meet Douglas

Post Syndicated from Sophie Ashford original https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/giving-back-through-code-club-meet-douglas/

We love hearing from members of the community and sharing the stories of amazing young people, volunteers, and educators who are using their passion for technology to create positive change in the world around them.

Growing up in Mathare, one of Nairobi’s largest informal settlements, Douglas experienced first-hand what it meant to go without access to education and opportunity. His experience sparked a Code Club journey that is already hugely inspiring… and it’s only just getting started.

Douglas (second from left) with members of the Raspberry Pi Foundation team
Douglas (second from left) with members of the Raspberry Pi Foundation team

Driven by a desire to help 

For Douglas and many of his peers, the limited access to education in Mathare often meant being left with no clear path to earn a livelihood. Douglas saw opportunity in technology — he wanted to increase access in this field for the young people in Mathare and raise their ambitions.

“Why are we doing technology? Because we believe that tech does not have a boundary. As long as you have access to the internet and you can learn some basic skills… the opportunities are limitless.”

That belief became the keystone of Oasis Mathare, an organisation co-founded by Douglas and a group of others with similar lived experiences. Like Douglas, most of the founding members haven’t followed a standard path with formal schooling, but all understand the power of technology to transform lives.

From Photoshop to programming

Douglas’ own tech journey began humbly, and was sparked by his curiosity.

“After primary, I didn’t go straight to high school. I spent two years working in a nearby barber shop. Then I think I just fell in love with computers. I learned how to do some basic stuff with design and used to play around with Photoshop.”

From there, he taught himself web design and programming skills, which began to open new doors. Eventually, he went back to university to study business and information technology to deepen his knowledge, but even before that, Douglas had already started giving back.

“We used to hold a club providing a space for kids to come and play games on computers. That sort of grew from just Saturdays to a few times a week… and now it’s full time.”

One of Oasis Mathare’s Code Clubs in action
One of Oasis Mathare’s Code Clubs in action

Why Code Clubs?

Today, Oasis Mathare runs intensive software engineering and robotics programs that last between 9 and 12 months. But back in the early days of the organisation, Douglas quickly realised that many young people were struggling to keep up — not because of ability, but because they’d never used a computer before.

“So, we started Code Clubs to introduce these principles of programming at an early age… and we actually realised that those who have gone through Code Club take less time to complete our software engineering and robotics classes.”

Code Clubs now serve as a stepping stone at Oasis Mathare. They help introduce computer literacy and programming concepts to young people early, making it easier for them to thrive in more advanced programs.

The power of role models

The impact of the program is already visible. Many graduates of Oasis Mathare programs go on to volunteer and eventually teach, serving as role models for the younger learners.

“Oasis Mathare has 6 full-time staff. There are 12 Code Club leaders. They are our graduates from the software engineering program. We are plugging them into the Code Clubs to help them gain confidence and help the next generation.”

The Code Clubs are held both in schools and at the Oasis Mathare centre, creating safe, structured environments for learning, experimenting, and collaborating.

Douglas supporting a Code Club mentor
Douglas supporting a Code Club mentor

Building with what they have

Before setting up Code Clubs, Oasis Mathare ran STEM clubs that used a variety of resources, but the cost and maintenance became a barrier. When they discovered Code Club’s free-to-access resources, everything changed.

“We found [the resources] very useful. The good thing about Code Club is you can plan sessions using resources that are freely available, like Scratch. It’s really straightforward.”

The biggest challenge now? Internet access is limited, so Douglas and his team often work offline. The team have started using the Raspberry Pi Foundation’s offline resources, and look forward to more being available in the future.

What’s next for Douglas and Oasis Mathare?

Douglas and the Oasis Mathare team have already achieved so much. This was recognised with a royal seal of approval in 2018, when Douglas was honoured with the Queen’s Young Leaders Award by Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace. Through the award, he gained access to world-class mentoring and leadership training from the University of Cambridge, helping him to amplify his impact back home.

So, what’s next? Douglas’ vision for the future is bold and clear.

“The main idea is to ensure that all kids in Mathare know at least one computer language. Not for the sake of it, but to use the principles of programming to solve their local problems.”

By learning coding, young people build more than just technical skills. They learn to think critically, work in teams, and solve problems in their communities. For Douglas, that’s the real impact.

“The overall goal is to ensure that no youth in Mathare are left behind and they all have the opportunity to develop essential skills from an early age.”

Students at an Oasis Mathare Code Club working together

Looking further ahead

Oasis Mathare runs Code Clubs weekly, all year round, and Douglas is always looking for ways to expand the program’s reach, especially through partnerships, sponsorships, and sharing their successes so far.

With more resources, more local leaders, and a whole community behind him, Douglas is rewriting the narrative for young people in Mathare. You can find out more about Oasis Mathare on their official website.

If you’d like to support young people in your community to explore coding, why not start a Code Club? The team will support you every step of the way with resources, training, and a collaborative community. Find out more on the Code Club website.

The post Giving back through Code Club | Meet Douglas appeared first on Raspberry Pi Foundation.

Code, karaoke, and creativity: Meet Matthew

Post Syndicated from Sophie Ashford original https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/code-karaoke-and-creativity-meet-matthew/

We love hearing from members of the community and sharing stories of amazing young people, volunteers, and educators who are using their passion for technology to create positive change in the world around them.

It’s especially inspiring to hear about young people who are not only passionate about technology, but who are also driven to share that passion with others. Meet Matthew, a 15-year-old creator and youth mentor at Code Club, who builds his own projects and inspires peers by organising hackathons.

Matthew and his team at Cool as Hack at the RPF offices
Matthew and his team at Cool as Hack at the RPF offices

Matthew’s early experience with coding 

Matthew’s journey into the world of coding began at a young age. His initial exposure was through Scratch at school in Singapore. From there, he began exploring self-learn platforms in his own time, getting to grips with HTML and basic web development.

His enthusiasm for creating led him to participate in a technology week in Year 6, where he took on a BBC micro:bit challenge. He dedicated his summer holiday to developing a token system that encouraged community recycling, using an ultrasonic sensor to award points for good behaviour. This early project showcased his knack for problem-solving and innovation.

What truly captivated Matthew was the possibility of combining the logical challenges of competitive programming with the joy of project creation.

Matthew with his device developed in Year 6 to promote recycling behaviour in his residential community
Matthew with his device developed in Year 6 to promote recycling behaviour in his residential community

Connecting with the community

Through YouthHacks, an initiative he co-founded to support teenage hackathon organisers, Matthew aims to expand access to hackathons across the UK (a hackathon is an event where individuals or teams work intensively over a relatively short time period to build software, hardware, or other kinds of technology). Matthew wants to offer advice and support, making it easier for young people to run their own hackathons. He puts a lot of time into ensuring that the content and atmosphere truly resonate with the participants.

“So, we made YouthHacks basically as an idea to be able to support these teenage organisers, you know, like hackathons for teenagers by teenagers.”

Matthew’s connection with the Raspberry Pi Foundation came from his keen interest in the hackathon community and a need for a local venue. Having previously toured the Foundation’s offices for a school robotics club, he decided to reach out when organising a satellite hackathon called Counterspell.

This initial collaboration led to further events at the Foundation, including Scrapyard Cambridge and, more recently, Cool as Hack.

Coolest Projects hackathon: A new approach to collaborative coding 

Cool as Hack was Matthew’s third event held at the Raspberry Pi Foundation offices. Unlike traditional hackathons with intense time pressure, this event, inspired by the spirit of Coolest Projects, aimed to be more relaxed and collaborative. 

“For this, people could bring in their own project scraps and then they could put it together with a team, finalise it, and then enter it to Coolest Projects.” 

The focus was on showcasing creativity and sharing projects globally, rather than competitive prizes. Everyone then entered their creations into the Coolest Projects online showcase.

Young coders at Cool as Hack
Cool as Hack in progress at RPF HQ. Credit: W O Wallace

Cool as Hack was a huge success. The atmosphere was incredible — there was even a karaoke session and a “swag shop” where participants could exchange tokens earned for innovative ideas or project milestones. This token system, designed by Matthew and harking back to his own recycling project from years ago, created a fun and engaging reward system.

Inspiring the next generation

Matthew’s drive to organise these events and encourage other young people to code stems from his enjoyment of project creation and the community aspect of hackathons. 

“Well, I suppose it links back to me enjoying making projects and when you attend a hackathon, it’s not a competition really. It’s more of a social event. So, you’re making a project and then you’re meeting quite a lot of coders, or even artists and musicians, and so many other people.”

Young coders at Cool as Hack at the RPF offices
All of the creators that took part in Cool as Hack. Credit: W O Wallace

Now a regular volunteer at the Raspberry Pi Foundation’s monthly Code Club in Cambridge, Matthew remains focused on encouraging others into tech. For aspiring young coders, he says that coding is far more diverse and creative than many might initially perceive, encompassing art, storytelling, and problem-solving. Matthew’s advice is simple: 

“Enjoy the process and as you learn new things you’ll realise that all of this is like super interesting, and that there are so many ways to make what you want. Just enjoy it and continue meeting new people and, yeah, be creative.” 

Matthew’s journey shows how an intro to computing at a young age can lead to an incredible amount of impact. With his continued dedication, he’s sure to inspire many more young minds to start on their own coding adventures.

If you would like to explore coding, you can get started at home with over 250 free projects. 

Looking for a little extra support in your own coding journey or open to mentoring others? Join a Code Club near you to meet a like-minded and supportive community.

The post Code, karaoke, and creativity: Meet Matthew appeared first on Raspberry Pi Foundation.

Young tech creators take over Bradford at Coolest Projects UK

Post Syndicated from Sophie Ashford original https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/young-tech-creators-take-over-bradford-at-coolest-projects-uk/

Bradford was buzzing with excitement this May as over 170 young digital makers from across the UK gathered for Coolest Projects UK 2025 at the Life Centre to celebrate the amazing things young people create with technology. Run by the Raspberry Pi Foundation and hosted by BBC science presenter Greg Foot, the free, in-person event brought together budding creators, families, mentors, and even a few troops of Scouts for a fun-filled day.

From AI tools and advanced programming to Scratch games and hardware builds, the showcase featured an incredible range of projects from 113 Coolest Projects participants and 58 scouts. Every young person received thoughtful feedback from industry professionals, the chance to try hands-on coding challenges, and the thrill of sharing what they built with a welcoming crowd and other creators.

Two young creators connecting on the day over a project.

A day of discovery and digital making

Coolest Projects UK 2025 wasn’t just about showcasing finished products; it celebrated every part of the creative journey. Many creators shared works-in-progress or prototypes, sparking conversations around design, problem-solving, and learning through code.

One of the day’s highlights was an interactive escape room designed just for the event, giving attendees a chance to flex their logical thinking and collaboration skills. And for 58 visiting Scouts, the day was a chance to earn their Digital Maker Badge and share their creations with the showcase participants.

Two young scouts getting hands-on at a workshop.

Greg Foot is known for BBC Radio 4’s Sliced Bread and other popular science shows. He brought energy and enthusiasm as host, sharing stories and celebrating young people’s creativity on stage.

Greg hosting the awards ceremony where every participant received an award along with a few being given the extra recognition of judges’ favourite.

A platform for everyone

Many of this year’s participants came from local Code Clubs, CoderDojos, and schools across the UK. Others had worked independently to bring their ideas to life. The event encouraged collaboration and connection, with creators exchanging feedback, learning from each other, and celebrating shared interests.

Earlier this year, young people from Bradford also had the chance to take part in hands-on workshops. Held at the National Science and Media Museum, they were guided on getting started with digital making and developing their own project ideas for the showcase.

Featured projects

Here are a few of the projects that were showcased on the day. Each one demonstrates the power of digital tools and the fun and creativity that young people bring to their Coolest Projects journeys. Here’s what the creators had to say about their work, what inspired them, and their experiences of the day:

Arlo | MUST. EAT. DONUTS., AI

Arlo’s interactive game featured AI models that used face and mouth tracking to make the main character, called Chompy, mirror the movements of the player. Arlo’s game was inspired by a session at his Code Club. He came across a video sensing motion plug-in and realised he could make a game that used the player’s head as the controller. 

“It is a fun and silly game for all to play. I also created the artwork myself in my own style, as drawing is another one of my passions, alongside coding. I would love to come back next year, maybe in a different category. I wanted to enter because I got the chance to share my coding and drawing skills, and I was excited to think others may play a game I created.”

Arlo showing his project to the event host Greg Foot.

Felicia and Francesca | The Silent Forest, Scratch

Felicia and Francesca created a top-down, Zelda-style RPG in Scratch, where the player explores a pixel world and interacts with characters and objects. Instead of using the keyboard, the game is controlled with a Micro:bit. Felicia shared with us why they wanted to showcase the game at Coolest Projects.

“I went to Coolest Projects UK because I love making things with Scratch and wanted to show my game to other people. It was a fun way to share what I built, see what other kids made, and learn new ideas. I wanted to challenge myself and be part of something really cool!”

Eesa, Yahya and Yusha | Let’s Speak Arabic!, Scratch

Let’s Speak Arabic is an interactive program designed to help people learn conversational Arabic. Eesa, Yahya, and Yusha are home educated and study a book called Al Arabiyyah Bayna Yadayk together. This inspired them to think about fun ways to upgrade their study, and the idea for gamifying their learning through Scratch was born. The team shared a little about their experience:

“The event was awesome. Actually, it was even better than we imagined! We loved meeting people from all over the country, really enjoyed playing other people’s games, and got lots of ideas for what we could code in the future. And, our parents were so proud we got judge’s favourite!”

Jay | J Bot, Hardware

Jay is a long-time friend of the Foundation and has been taking part in Coolest Projects online and in person for the past few years. He wowed again this year with his life-sized J Bot and shared with us why he thinks Coolest Projects is such an important event for the young creator community.

“I know it might seem a bit intimidating to come and showcase in front of all these people, but I feel more and more people should try and get involved [in Coolest Projects] because it’s a really good community of people. And they are really supportive as well. So I would just say, give it a go. Don’t be nervous because people are here to help you along the way.”

Jay showing his project, J Bot, to another young creator.

What’s next?

Coolest Projects UK continues to grow as a platform for the next generation of changemakers. We can’t wait to see what they create next!

Although the online showcase and Foundation-led events are now closed for this year, there are still many more partner events happening globally throughout 2025.

Visit coolestprojects.org to learn more.

A young creator showcasing her hardware project.

Code Club: A place to keep creating

Coolest Projects is just one part of the Raspberry Pi Foundation’s work to help young people explore computing. Across the UK and Ireland, over 2000 free Code Clubs offer sessions where young people build digital skills, grow in confidence, and work on creative projects with others. Across the world, there are nearly 6000 more clubs running.To find your local Code Club or get involved as a volunteer, head to codeclub.org.

The post Young tech creators take over Bradford at Coolest Projects UK appeared first on Raspberry Pi Foundation.

Celebrating young innovators at Coolest Projects USA

Post Syndicated from Sophie Ashford original https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/celebrating-young-innovators-at-coolest-projects-usa/

Last month, the Science Museum of Minnesota buzzed with excitement as young tech creators from across the country came together for Coolest Projects USA in a celebration of creativity, curiosity, and coding.

Around 40 young people showcased their projects on the day, sharing their work with friends, family, and the wider coding community. With hands-on tech activities, project demonstrations, fun swag, and certificates of achievement, the day was packed with energy and enthusiasm.

Young creators at the Coolest Project USA event.

Coolest Projects is all about empowering young people to show off what they’ve built, no matter their skill level or experience. From first-time coders to budding engineers, everyone was welcomed and learnt something from the day.

Celebrating impact: Broadcom Foundation Coding with Commitment® 

One of the standout moments was the presentation of the Broadcom Foundation Coding with Commitment® special recognition, which highlights a project that uses code to solve real-world problems.

The award went to Kaila for her project, Car vs Road, a self-driving car simulation designed to explore how natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes might impact autonomous vehicle technology.

Kaila presenting her project at Coolest Projects USA.

“My project was inspired by Waymo. After hearing about Coolest Projects through the Minnesota State Science and Engineering Fair, I decided to attend — and absolutely loved it! The atmosphere was welcoming, the judges were so involved, and the entire experience was truly unforgettable.” – Kaila, 2025 Coding with Commitment® recipient 

Broadcom Foundation’s partnership with Coolest Projects USA highlights how coding can be a powerful tool for tackling global challenges, from health to climate change, and champions digital literacy for all youth.

Celebrating creativity across categories

With seven categories available for entries, the judges had their work cut out for them choosing their favourite projects. Here are some that captured their attention on the day:

Mila | Sports Compilation, Scratch

Mila’s project, Sports Compilation, tells a story through animated sports scenes that inspire people to try new things and embrace their rebellious side.

“I wanted to show my mom that I could code — even though I’m not a ‘full-time coder’. I kept working on my original sports scene and added more to create something bigger.”

Mila presenting her project at Coolest Projects USA.

“My biggest challenge was making it reset automatically. At first, I didn’t understand the instructions I found online, but then I figured out how to use timing and broadcasts to make it work.”

“Coolest Projects was so fun, my teacher hyped it up, and it lived up to the excitement!”

Ethan | Coding AI to Enhance Speech Therapy

Ethan’s project was inspired by his experience with speech therapy. He used machine learning to help people identify and correct different types of incorrect pronunciations of the /s/ sound. Ethan shared his motivations behind attending:

“I went to Coolest Projects USA to get the opportunity to present my work and receive feedback from a large audience of judges, participants, and other viewers on how to improve my project and the presentation of it.”

Participants at Coolest Projects USA.

“I had fun at Coolest Projects USA, seeing the different ways that young people like me are taking advantage of technology to try and help the lives of others, and also seeing the creativity and determination that we have.”

A big thank you

We want to say a huge thank you to every young creator who presented a project, to the families who cheered them on, and to our amazing volunteers and partners. We also want to give a special shoutout to our sponsors, Broadcom Foundation and Best Buy Inc., for their incredible support. We couldn’t have done it without you. 

Thank you for making Coolest Projects USA 2025 such a special day!

Participants at Coolest Projects USA.

There’s still time to get involved with Coolest Projects this year…

If you missed the event or are feeling inspired, there are still ways to join the Coolest Projects global community!

  • The online Coolest Projects showcase is open for entries from young people anywhere in the world. Entries close 28 May.
  • Coolest Projects UK takes place in Bradford on 17 May. Come along and discover what young people are creating. 

Partner events are held around the world — head to the Coolest Projects website to find out more.

The post Celebrating young innovators at Coolest Projects USA appeared first on Raspberry Pi Foundation.

Celebrating young tech creators at Coolest Projects Ireland 2025

Post Syndicated from Sophie Ashford original https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/celebrating-young-tech-creators-at-coolest-projects-ireland-2025/

Earlier this month, young creators gathered at the Sport Ireland Campus National Indoor Training Centre in Dublin for Coolest Projects Ireland 2025, an inspiring showcase of creativity, coding, and problem solving. With more than 80 participants sharing over 60 incredible projects, this year’s event highlighted the passion and innovation of young creators from across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

The day offered the chance for young people to share their digital projects, engage with a like-minded community, chat with VIP judges, and take part in exciting coding activities like Astro Pi Mission Zero. The event was once again supported by Meta, who sponsored the new AI category, continuing their commitment to promoting the importance of digital skills to young people.

Photo of two young people showing the Coolest Projects judges their project at Coolest Projects Ireland 2025.

Celebrating creativity 

Coolest Projects is a space for all digital projects, across all levels and categories, from hardware inventions to AI to Scratch. The event celebrates not just the finished products, but also the learning journeys of young creators and skills such as problems solving and creativity.

Helen Gardner, Programme Manager at the Raspberry Pi Foundation, shared her enthusiasm about this year’s showcase:

“Returning to Dublin for Coolest Projects is always such a joy! It’s incredible to see the enthusiasm, creativity, and talent of young creators as they bring their ideas to life. This event is all about celebrating the community and inspiring the next generation of problem-solvers. It’s always so inspiring to witness their amazing projects and the energy they bring to the day!”

Participants at Coolest Projects Ireland included young people from schools, coding clubs such as Code Club and CoderDojo, and independent makers. Many were returning participants, excited to showcase their latest projects and connect with fellow creators. The sense of community and encouragement was felt throughout the event, with mentors, parents, and judges offering valuable support and feedback to support growth and celebrate achievements.

Spotlight on the judges favourites

This year, judges were particularly impressed with the originality and impact of the projects. We caught up with four of the creators to find out why being involved in Coolest Projects Ireland was important to them.

Photo of creators on stage at Coolest Projects Ireland alongside Meta judges.

Sister duo, Riddhiba and Aarushiba, created Innovaid, a project that uses technology to improve safety at events.

“We wanted to solve a problem that was affecting a large number of people. Having read news articles, and having talked to people who have had bad experiences at concerts and large events, we wanted to solve this problem that has been ongoing for many years. Although technology has advanced rapidly in the past years, there are still flaws in large event management leading to incidents and deaths. We wanted to incorporate safety, medical aid, crowd management, and inclusivity.”

“Coolest Projects Ireland was an amazing experience for both of us, we got the opportunity to meet with so many people that were so passionate about technology and coding. We met many people who also wanted to make a change in society, or wanted to solve problems.”

Coolest Projects also welcomed an AI category, supported by Meta, for the first time, which included Kirsty’s entry, A haon, dó, trí – Learn with me. Kirsty’s entry used machine learning to help learners master the Irish language in an engaging and interactive way. Kirsty shared a little about her journey with the project

Photo of young creator Kirsty, with her A haon, dó, trí – Learn with me project.

“I really enjoyed some of the machine learning with Scratch projects on the Raspberry Pi site. While doing the ‘Alien language’ project, it occurred to me that I could use a similar approach to build a game to help young kids learn Irish.”

“I had to build my own Irish language training data set so I recorded lots of speech samples from my school friends. However, I go to an all-girls school, which would have meant my training data would have been very limited! So I recorded some boys’ voices at my CoderDojo to make my data set more varied and balanced.”

In the Games category, Timi received acknowledgement for his project, Stakes & Laughters Maximus.

“I got the idea from a story my dad told me about when I was younger. I apparently got really upset when I lost a game of Snakes and Ladders. So, I wanted to make a Snakes and Ladders game that wasn’t just about luck. I wanted players to have to think strategically about how to use their luck.”

“There were many challenges! Everything from the character movement to the turn system and the items presented roadblocks. But I broke through them by carefully thinking about what I wanted to achieve and then using code to create the logic for it.”

Photo of Timi's project - Stakes & Laughters Maximus displayed on a monitor.

Get involved

The Coolest Projects online showcase is open for entries, providing young people worldwide the opportunity to share their digital creations.

We also have upcoming in-person events in the US, UK, and around the world thanks to our partner organisations. You can find out more and get involved with these through the Coolest Projects website.

Finally, we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who made Coolest Projects Ireland 2025 such a fantastic experience! We can’t wait to see what young innovators create next year.

The post Celebrating young tech creators at Coolest Projects Ireland 2025 appeared first on Raspberry Pi Foundation.

Code Club: Empowering the Next Generation of Digital Creators

Post Syndicated from Sophie Ashford original https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/code-club-empowering-the-next-generation-of-digital-creators/

Code Club is more than just a place to learn coding — it’s a thriving global community where young minds discover, create, and grow with technology. With a refreshed look and ambitious goals for 2025, Code Club is set to connect an even larger network of mentors and reach millions more young people worldwide.

Code Club at RPF HQ, Cambridge
Code Club at RPF HQ, Cambridge

Since it was founded in the UK in 2012, Code Club has grown into a global movement, inspiring over two million young people to build apps, games, animations, websites, and more. Supported by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, Code Club provides free training and resources to mentors, ensuring creators achieve meaningful and lasting skills. Our vision for the next decade? To empower ten million more young people to have confidence in their coding.

A proven impact

A recent independent evaluation by the Durham University Evidence Centre for Education (DECE) confirmed what we’ve always believed: Code Club makes a real difference. Young people who attend gain valuable coding skills, grow in confidence, develop a strong interest in technology, and find a sense of belonging in the digital world.

Mentor Rajan at his Code Club in India
Mentor Rajan at his Code Club in India

The power of mentorship

At the heart of Code Club are passionate volunteers who bring coding to life. Whether it’s the thrill of overcoming a challenge or the excitement of seeing an idea come to life on screen, mentors make a lasting impact while learning coding skills alongside their club’s creators.

Bob Bilsland, a dedicated volunteer since 2012, runs one of the world’s longest-running Code Clubs at Malvern CofE Primary School, Worcestershire, England. His motivation?

“What brings me back week after week is the sharing of what I enjoy doing. It’s so much fun to help others explore this space themselves, to see what they can personally create. I see that giving others the opportunity to explore and familiarise themselves with computing as something that could open up a world of possibilities for them in the future.” 

For Yang, a mentor at the EY office clubs, representation in tech is key:

“If there are some female role models, I think for a little girl growing up, that means so much. Because if they can see somebody thrive in this industry, they will see themselves there one day. And that’s the inspiration.” 

Mentor Yang at her Code Club in London
Mentor Yang at her Code Club in London

Across the world, volunteers like Nadia in Iraq and Solomon in The Gambia are using Code Club to bridge the digital divide, create opportunities, and empower communities.

“[Code Club] added to my skills. And at the same time, I was able to share my expertise with the young children and to learn from them as well.” – Nadia Al-Aboody, Iraq.

“We strongly believe in the transformative power of digital skills and their potential to create opportunities for young people. Witnessing the lack of access to computer knowledge among high school graduates in The Gambia and other sub-Saharan African countries inspired us to take action. By bridging the digital skills gap, we aim to empower young individuals to thrive in the 21st century.” – Solomon, Gambia 

A community that inspires

Code Club isn’t just loved by mentors; it’s so important to the young people who participate.

Eoghan, a young creator from Ireland, values the collaboration and support he receives:

“It’s really fun to meet and talk about ideas with other creators, and the mentors are very helpful in fixing any coding problems.” 

Mentor Jayantika at her Code Club in Pune, India
Mentor Jayantika at her Code Club in Pune, India

Jayantika, a 15-year-old from rural Pune, India, started as a creator and is now a peer mentor. For her, Code Club is about giving back:

“I believe coding opens doors and helps young children express their creativity. By mentoring, I hope to prepare them for a future that is increasingly driven by AI and technology.” 

Join the movement

Along with the incredible community, Code Club is supported by sponsors and funders who share our mission. We would like to extend a thank you to Cognizant, who have committed their support to the Code Club mission in the UK and Ireland for 2025.

Mentors gathering at Clubs Con 2024
Mentors gathering at Clubs Con 2024

Code Club is more than just learning to code; it’s about creating opportunities, encouraging confidence, and building a global network of digital creators. Whether you’re a mentor, educator, or young digital maker, there’s a place for you in our community. Start your Code Club journey today and join a global community of digital creators.

The post Code Club: Empowering the Next Generation of Digital Creators appeared first on Raspberry Pi Foundation.

Community Story | Daniela, Thetford Library

Post Syndicated from Sophie Ashford original https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/community-story-daniela-thetford-library/

We love hearing from members of the community and sharing the stories of amazing young people, volunteers, and educators who are using their passion for technology to create positive change in the world around them.

Daniela in a Code Club.

When Daniela made the transition from working in retail to joining the team at Thetford Library, she never imagined that she would one day be leading a Code Club. Her manager, who had previously run the club, asked if Daniela would be interested in taking over, and although she was nervous, she was also eager to embrace the challenge and learn new skills.

“At first, I was nervous about teaching coding, but seeing the children’s excitement made me realise it was so important, and I was learning just as much as they were.”

The Code Club was designed to run in eight-week blocks, with a new group of children joining for each term. However, the kids loved it so much that they didn’t want to leave. Daniela, with her growing passion for coding and mentoring, welcomed the children to attend as often as they wanted, with some children, including one particularly enthusiastic young creator, attending every session. This continuity allowed the children to delve deeper into the world of coding, learning in a different way to what they were used to at school.

Inspiring young coders through creativity

One of the key things that Daniela has found resonates most with the children is the combination of creativity and coding. She encourages the kids to draw and plan their projects first, which makes the process more engaging and accessible to all of the young people who want to attend. The freedom to be creative is something that she feels is crucial, especially when compared to the more structured and rigid environment of school curriculums. This approach has been particularly rewarding for one young girl in the club who insists on planning and drawing her own characters and backgrounds for all of her projects.

“Coding isn’t just about writing lines of code — it’s about storytelling, problem solving, and imagining what’s possible.”

Students in a Code Club.

Astro Pi: giving young people the confidence to dream big

Daniela’s journey into coding took a significant leap when she decided to explore the Astro Pi challenge, a project that involves writing code to run on Astro Pi computers aboard the International Space Station. Despite her initial nerves about diving into Python, a more advanced programming language than she had tried at the club previously, she was blown away by the possibilities it opened up. When telling the children, she almost felt that she was more excited at the prospect of them trying out real space science than them. But once she showed them some examples, the buzz was infectious and the sessions ran far smoother than she could have hoped. Daniela’s tip for trying Astro Pi for the first time? Find a fellow mentor to help you along the way and dream big.

“I never imagined we’d be working on space science at our library. Introducing children to coding early isn’t just about technology; it’s about giving them the confidence to dream big and think differently.”

Thetford Library

The success of the Code Club at Thetford Library is part of a broader initiative by Norfolk Libraries to provide digital skills to the community. They are committed to offering resources and opportunities for people of all ages to engage with technology. From their Digital Week, which focuses on improving digital literacy, to offering mentorship for adults learning to navigate the digital world, Norfolk Libraries is working hard to bridge the digital divide.

Benefits of volunteering at a Code Club 

For Daniela, the importance of introducing children to coding at an early age is not something she thought would become a passion for her when moving careers. She sees firsthand how these skills empower the children, giving them confidence and opening up future career opportunities. 

“Code Club has shown me that stepping outside your comfort zone is where the real growth happens. Both for me and the kids!”

A mentor is helping a student in class.

It’s this combination of creativity, learning, and the sheer joy of discovery that keeps Daniela passionate about running the Code Club, and why she continues to welcome every eager child who walks through the door.

Inspire young people in your community

If you are interested in encouraging your child to explore coding, take a look at the free coding project resources we have available to support you. If you would like to set up a Code Club for young people in your community, or attend one, head to codeclub.org for information and support.

The post Community Story | Daniela, Thetford Library appeared first on Raspberry Pi Foundation.

Celebrating the community: Prabhath

Post Syndicated from Sophie Ashford original https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/celebrating-the-community-prabhath/

We love hearing from members of the community and sharing the stories of amazing young people, volunteers, and educators who are using their passion for technology to create positive change in the world around them.

An educator sits in a library.

Prabhath, the founder of the STEMUP Educational Foundation, began his journey into technology at an early age, influenced by his cousin, Harindra.

“He’s the one who opened up my eyes. Even though I didn’t have a laptop, he had a computer, and I used to go to their house and practise with it. That was the turning point in my life.”

This early exposure to technology, combined with support from his parents to leave his rural home in search of further education, set Prabhath on a path to address a crucial issue in Sri Lanka’s education system: the gap in opportunities for students, especially in STEM education. 

“There was a gap between the kids who are studying in Sri Lanka versus the kids in other developed markets. We tried our best to see how we can bridge this gap with our own capacity, with our own strengths.” 

Closing the gap through STEMUP

Recognising the need to close this gap in opportunities, Prabhath, along with four friends who worked with him in his day job as a Partner Technology Strategist, founded the STEMUP Educational Foundation in 2016.  STEMUP’s mission is straightforward but ambitious — it seeks to provide Sri Lankan students with equal access to STEM education, with a particular focus on those from underserved communities.

A group of people stands together, engaged in a lively discussion.

To help close the gap, Prabhath and his team sought to establish coding clubs for students across the country. Noting the lack of infrastructure and access to resources in many parts of Sri Lanka, they partnered with Code Club at the Raspberry Pi Foundation to get things moving. 

Their initiative started small with a Code Club in the Colombo Public Library, but things quickly gained traction. 

What began with just a handful of friends has now grown into a movement involving over 1,500 volunteers who are all working to provide free education in coding and emerging technologies to students who otherwise wouldn’t have access.

An educator helps a young person at a Code Club.

A key reason for STEMUP’s reach has been the mobilisation of university students to serve as mentors at the Code Clubs. Prabhath believes this partnership has not only helped the success of Code Club Sri Lanka, but also given the university students themselves a chance to grow, granting them opportunities to develop the life skills needed to thrive in the workforce. 

“The main challenge we see here today, when it comes to graduate students, is that they have the technology skills, but they don’t have soft skills. They don’t know how to do a presentation, how to manage a project from A to Z, right? By being a volunteer, that particular student can gain 360-degree knowledge.” 

Helping rural communities

STEMUP’s impact stretches beyond cities and into rural areas, where young people often have even fewer opportunities to engage with technology. The wish to address this imbalance  is a big motivator for the student mentors.

“When we go to rural areas, the kids don’t have much exposure to tech. They don’t know about the latest technologies. What are the new technologies for that development? And what subjects can they  study for the future job market? So I think I can help them. So I actually want to teach someone what I know.” – Kasun, Student and Code Club mentor

This lack of access to opportunities is precisely what STEMUP aims to change, giving students a platform to explore, innovate, and connect with the wider world.

Coolest Projects Sri Lanka

STEMUP recently held the first Coolest Projects Sri Lanka, a showcase for the creations of young learners. Prabhath first encountered Coolest Projects while attending the Raspberry Pi Foundation Asia Partner summit in Malaysia. 

“That was my first experience with the Coolest Projects,” says Prabhath, “and when I came back, I shared the idea with our board and fellow volunteers. They were all keen to bring it to Sri Lanka.” 

For Prabhath, the hope is that events like these will open students’ eyes to new possibilities. The first event certainly lived up to his hope. There was a lot of excitement, especially in rural areas, with multiple schools banding together and hiring buses to attend the event. 

“That kind of energy… because they do not have these opportunities to showcase what they have built, connect with like minded people, and connect with the industry.”

Building a better future

Looking ahead, Prabhath sees STEMUP’s work as a vital part of shaping the future of education in Sri Lanka. By bringing technology to public libraries, engaging university students as mentors, and giving kids hands-on experience with coding and emerging technologies, STEMUP is empowering the next generation to thrive in a digital world. 

“These programmes are really helpful for kids to win the future, be better citizens, and bring this country forward.”

Young people showcase their tech creations at Coolest Projects.

STEMUP is not just bridging a gap — it’s building a brighter, more equitable future for all students in Sri Lanka. We can’t wait to see what they achieve next!

Inspire the next generation of young coders

To find out how you and young creators you know can get involved in Coolest Projects, visit coolestprojects.org. If the young people in your community are just starting out on their computing journey, visit our projects site for free, fun beginner coding projects.

For more information to help you set up a Code Club in your community, visit codeclub.org.

Help us celebrate Prabhath and his inspiring journey with STEMUP by sharing this story on X, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

The post Celebrating the community: Prabhath appeared first on Raspberry Pi Foundation.

Celebrating the community: Isabel

Post Syndicated from Sophie Ashford original https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/celebrating-the-community-isabel/

One of our favourite things is sharing the stories of amazing young people, volunteers, and educators who are using their passion for technology to create positive change in the world around them.

Recently, we had the pleasure of speaking with Isabel, a computer science teacher at Barton Peveril Sixth Form College in Eastleigh, England. She told us her fascinating journey from industry to education, along with how she is helping to make the tech space inviting to all.

From industry to the classroom: Isabel’s journey to encourage diversity in tech

Isabel’s path to working in the tech sector started with her early exposure to engineering thanks to her father’s career in telecoms.

“I find this is true for a lot of female engineers my age: you will find that their dad or their uncle was an engineer. I remember that when I made the decision to study engineering, my teachers asked me if I was sure that it was something I wanted to do.”

Isabel pursued a degree in engineering because she loved the technical aspects, and during her studies she found a passion for programming. She went to work as a software engineer in Hampshire, contributing to the development of 3G mobile phone technology.

Despite enjoying her career in tech, Isabel felt a strong pull towards teaching due to her long-standing involvement with youth groups and a desire to give back to the community.

“While I was at university in London, I took part in a scheme where we could go into local primary schools and help with their science teaching. At the time, I just thought this was my way of giving back, I hadn’t really thought of it as a career. But actually, after a while, I thought ‘I’m enjoying this programming, but I really liked helping the young kids as well’.”

The transition wasn’t easy, as Computer Science was not widely taught in schools at the time, but Isabel persevered, teaching IT and Media to her classes as well.

Once Isabel settled into her teaching role, she began thinking about how she could tackle a problem she noticed in the STEM field.

Championing diversity in tech

Having experienced first-hand what it was like to be the only woman in STEM spaces, Isabel’s commitment to diversity in technology is at the core of her teaching philosophy. She works hard to create an inclusive environment and a diversity of opportunities in her classroom, making sure girls feel encouraged to pursue careers in tech through exploring various enrichment activities.

Two educators at a desk using their computers.

Isabel focuses on enrichment activities that bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application. She runs various projects and competitions, ensuring a balanced representation of girls in these initiatives, and gives her students the opportunity to participate in programs like the Industrial Cadets, Student Robotics, and Coolest Projects. 

Isabel told us that she feels these opportunities provide essential soft skills that are crucial for success in any career.

“The A level environment is so academic; it is heavily focused on working on your own on very abstract topics. Having worked in industry and knowing the need to collaborate, I found that really hard. So I’ve always made sure to do lots of projects with my students where we actually work with real engineers, do real-world projects. I believe strongly in teaching soft skills like team working, project management, and time management.”

Harnessing trusted resources

A key resource in Isabel’s teaching toolkit is the Ada Computer Science platform. She values its reliability and the timely updates to the topics, which are crucial in a rapidly evolving subject like Computer Science.

She said she encourages both her students and fellow teachers, especially those who have retrained in Computer Science, to use the platform as a resource. 

“Ada Computer Science is amazing. We know we can rely on saying to the students ‘look on Ada, the information will be correct’ because I trust the people creating the resources. And we even found ourselves as teachers double-checking things on there. We struggle to get Computer science teachers, so actually only two of us are Computer Science teachers, and the other three are Maths teachers we have trained up. To be able to say ‘if you are not sure about something, look on Ada’ is a really nice thing to have.”

A large group of educators at a workshop.

The ongoing challenge and hope for the future

Despite her efforts, Isabel acknowledges that progress in getting more girls to pursue tech careers is slow. Many girls still view tech as an uninviting space and feel like they don’t belong when they find themselves as one of a few girls — if not the only one — in a class. But Isabel remains hopeful that continuous exposure and positive experiences can change these perceptions.

“I talk to students who are often the only girl in the class and they find that really hard. So, if at GCSE they are the only girl in the class, they won’t do [the subject] at A level. So, if we leave it until A level, it is almost too late. Because of this, I try as much as I can to get as many girls as possible onto my engineering enrichment projects to show them as many opportunities in engineering as possible early on.”

Her work with organisations like the UK Electronics Skills Foundation reflects her commitment to raising awareness about careers in electronics and engineering. Through her outreach and enrichment projects, Isabel educates younger students about the opportunities in these fields, hoping to inspire more girls to consider them as viable career paths.

Looking ahead

As new technology continues to be built, Isabel recognises the challenges in keeping up with rapid changes, especially with fields like artificial intelligence (AI). She stays updated through continuous learning and collaborating with her peers, and encourages her students to be adaptable and open to new developments. “The world of AI is both exciting and daunting,” she admits. “We need to prepare our students for a future that we can hardly predict.”

Isabel’s dedication to teaching, her advocacy for diversity, and her efforts to provide real-world learning opportunities make her an inspiring educator. Her commitment was recognised by the Era Foundation in 2023: Isabel was named as one of their David Clark Prize recipients. The award recognises those who “have gone above and beyond the curriculum to inspire students and showcase real-world engineering in the classroom”.

A woman receives a certificate of recognition.

Isabel not only imparts technical knowledge — she inspires her students to believe in their potential, encouraging a new generation of diverse tech professionals. 

If Isabel’s story has inspired you to encourage the next generation of young tech creators, check out the free teaching and training resources we provide to support your journey.

If you are working in Computer Science teaching for learners age 14 and up, take a look at how Ada Computer Science will support you. 

The post Celebrating the community: Isabel appeared first on Raspberry Pi Foundation.

Celebrating the community: Yang

Post Syndicated from Sophie Ashford original https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/celebrating-the-community-yang/

We love hearing from members of the community and sharing the stories of amazing young people, volunteers, and educators who are using their passion for technology to create positive change in the world around them.

A woman is pictured sitting in the office. There's a window behind her with a view of the London skyline.

In our latest story, we’re heading to London to meet Yang, a Manager in Technology Consulting at EY specialising in Microsoft Business Applications, whose commitment to CoderDojo is truly inspiring. Yang’s passion for volunteering has grown since she first volunteered at a CoderDojo club at a local museum. In recent years, she has actively searched for ways to bring the CoderDojo movement to more children, and encouraged her colleagues to come along on the journey too.

Introducing Yang

When Yang was growing up, both of her parents worked in STEM, but her own journey into a career in technology took a varied route. After initially studying journalism in China, her path shifted when she pursued a Master’s in Digital Humanities at UCL, London, broadening her digital skills and paving the way for her current role.

On a weekend visit to a museum, Yang found the opportunity to volunteer at their CoderDojo. This experience sparked an enthusiasm to create more opportunities for young people to explore the world of computing, and this soon evolved into a plan to implement clubs at the EY offices. 

Building a community of mentors

With support from the EY Corporate Responsibility team, and fellow colleagues, Yang started to deliver Dojo sessions at the EY office in London. From the very first session, Yang was blown away by the level of enthusiasm among her colleagues, and their willingness to volunteer their time to support the club. She soon realised it was possible to roll this initiative out to other offices around the country, expanding the volunteer network and increasing their impact.

Yang mentors two young learners during a CoderDojo session.

Clubs have now been run in four EY offices across the UK, and the team has even seen the first international club take place, at the EY office in Baku, Azerbaijan. In total, EY clubs have seen around 350 young people attend and give coding a go.

Championing diversity in tech

As a woman in tech, Yang is all too aware of the gender imbalance in the industry, and this is something she wanted the clubs at the EY offices to address. 

“If there are some female role models, I think for a little girl grow up that means so much. Because if they can see somebody thrive in this industry, they will see themselves there one day. And that’s the inspiration.” – Yang

Yang actively encourages female participation in Dojo sessions, for example through holding sessions with a focus on engaging girls to mark International Women’s Day and Ada Lovelace Day. Through her leadership, she creates an inclusive environment where girls can envision themselves as future leaders. 

Yang mentors a young person during a CoderDojo session.

Yang’s motivation doesn’t only inspire the young people attending her clubs, but also resonates with those who work with her on a daily basis, including colleagues like Iman and Elizabeth, who shared how much they admire Yang’s dedication and energy.

“I would love to have had a role model like [Yang] when I was younger. She’s just so inspiring. She’s so full of energy. I mean, from my personal experience, when I was younger, we didn’t have anything to do with coding.

There were situations where I was vaguely interested [in computing] but was told that it wasn’t for girls. And now with Yang running these events, seeing the girls come here and being so interested and wanting to learn, it really opens up so many more doors for them that they don’t even realise.” – Elizabeth, colleague and CoderDojo volunteer

Seeing the impact of her mentorship and the enthusiasm of young participants has fueled Yang’s passion even further. 

“This has been a great opportunity to set up CoderDojo sessions for young people. I’ve had a lot of support from colleagues and other volunteers who have helped to run the sessions […] I feel super proud of what we’ve achieved so far.” – Yang

For Yang, mentorship isn’t just about teaching technical skills; it’s about helping young people develop confidence and resilience, and letting everyone know there is a place for them in computing should they want one.

Two mentors deliver a presentation during a CoderDojo session.

Continuing to make a difference in her community and beyond, Yang recently participated in the 68th annual UN Women’s Commission on the Status of Women, which is the UN’s largest annual gathering on gender equality and women’s empowerment. 

We’re delighted to be part of Yang’s journey, and can’t wait to see what she contributes to the world of tech next.

Help us celebrate Yang and her inspiring journey by sharing her story on X, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

The post Celebrating the community: Yang appeared first on Raspberry Pi Foundation.

Celebrating the community: Arno & Timo

Post Syndicated from Sophie Ashford original https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/celebrating-the-community-arno-timo/

We love hearing from members of the community and sharing the stories of amazing young people, volunteers, and educators who are using their passion for technology to create positive change in the world around them.

Arno helping young coders at the CoderDojo Netherlands tenth birthday celebrations
Arno helping young coders at the CoderDojo Netherlands tenth birthday celebrations

In our latest story, we’re heading to Alkmaar, the Netherlands, to meet Arno and Timo, CoderDojo enthusiasts who have transitioned from club members to supportive mentors. Their journey at CoderDojo and their drive to give back and support the next generation of coders in their community has been an inspiration to those around them.

Introducing Arno and Timo

Arno and Timo have been friends since childhood, and embarked on their CoderDojo journey at the age of 12, eager to explore the world of coding. Under the guidance of mentors like Sanneke, Librarian and Chair of CoderDojo Netherlands, they not only honed their technical skills, but also learned about the value of collaboration, curiosity, and perseverance. As they grew older, they in turn were inspired to support young coders, and wanting to remain part of the CoderDojo community, they decided to become mentors to the next generation of club attendees. 

Having been helping younger members of the club for years, the transition to official mentors and proud owners of the much-coveted mentor T-shirt was seamless. 

Timo with Mirthe and Linus, two young CoderDojo members
Timo with Mirthe and Linus, two young CoderDojo members

The power of mentorship

Sanneke reflects on the impact young mentors like Timo and Arno have on the young learners at CoderDojo:

“Having young mentors who are just slightly older than our youngest… I think it helps them to see what happens when you grow up and how they can help. They can be examples for how to help others.” – Sanneke, Librarian, CoderDojo mentor, and Chair of CoderDojo Netherlands

Timo echoes this sentiment, highlighting how mentoring provides a fantastic opportunity to help people and make a positive impact in the local community: 

“I think volunteering is important, because you’re doing something for the community, in a city or village, supporting them in their journey in learning coding.” – Timo

As they continue their journey, Timo and Arno remain committed to supporting and inspiring the next generation of coders. They also encourage anyone who is thinking of volunteering at a club to give it a go: 

“If you want to volunteer at the CoderDojo, just go for it. You don’t really need that much experience. […] The kids can learn it, so can you.” – Arno

The CoderDojo movement in the Netherlands is celebrating a decade of impact, and champions a culture of growth and learning. Arno and Timo’s story serves as an inspiration to us all, shining a light on the power of mentorship and the impact of volunteering in building stronger, more supportive communities. 

Inspire the next generation of young coders

Arno and Timo’s story showcases the importance of mentorship for both individuals and communities, and the real impact you can have by donating an hour of your time a week. If you’re interested in becoming a CoderDojo volunteer, head to coderdojo.com to find out how to get started.

Help us celebrate Arno and Timo and their inspiring journey by sharing their story on X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and Facebook.

The post Celebrating the community: Arno & Timo appeared first on Raspberry Pi Foundation.

Celebrating the community: Micah

Post Syndicated from Sophie Ashford original https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/celebrating-the-community-micah/

We love hearing from members of the community and sharing the stories of inspiring young people, volunteers, and educators all over the world who have a passion for technology.

A smiling child.
Micah attends a Code Club in a library in Leeds, UK.

With this latest story, we’re taking you to Leeds, UK, to meet Micah, a young space enthusiast whose confidence has soared since he started attending a Code Club at his local library.

Introducing Micah

Computing skills are essential in today’s world, and Micah’s mum Catherine was keen for him to be introduced to coding from a young age.

While Micah is known to people close to him for his inquisitive nature, cheeky behaviour, and quick-witted sense of humour, he can be a little shy when meeting new people. And he isn’t always keen on his mum’s suggestions about trying new things and attending after-school clubs! However, when Catherine saw there was a Code Club running at their local library, she knew it was the perfect opportunity for Micah to try out computing.

A parent and child laughing together.
Micah’s mum Catherine took the opportunity to get Micah introduced to coding at their local Code Club.

What Catherine didn’t know is that not only would Micah find out he was a talented coder, but Code Club would also set the path for him to become a regular attendee at many of the library’s other clubs.

Opportunities for young coders

Based in Leeds, the Compton Centre Code Club is part of the Leeds Libraries network, which runs seven Code Clubs throughout the city. Liam, Senior Librarian for Digital at Leeds Libraries, described the importance of these spaces for the community and for engaging children in tech:

“Libraries are safe spaces that provide free access to exciting and innovative technology to those in our communities who might not get that opportunity. We’re proud that our Code Clubs can support young people to engage with tech, learn some new skills, and meet like-minded peers in a friendly and positive environment.

Our Code Clubs are aimed at 9- to 13-year-olds. We do have some learners that will come that have a younger sister or brother that wants to get involved as well. We never want to turn anyone away. So we’re more than welcoming for that age group to come in and have a play, get used to the equipment, and join in.”

— Liam, Senior Librarian for Digital at Leeds Libraries

Coding and confidence

Code Club provides a safe and friendly space for Micah to connect with other children, and he has embraced coding with enthusiasm. This is possible thanks to the work, support, and encouragement of Micah’s Code Club mentor Basia (they/them), the librarian at the Compton Centre who runs the club.

“Micah loves coming [to Code Club] and learning all the different things that he can do with coding. And he also loves Basia. They’re brilliant and run the club really well. It’s a super child-friendly place to be and he loves the support that he gets from them.”

– Catherine, Micah’s mum

Support from an inspiring mentor is so often an important part of a young coder’s journey, and Basia’s own journey from a coding beginner to a confident mentor highlights the positive influence Code Club has on both children and mentors.

A child and Code Club leader at a club session.
Micah loves coming to Code Club and being mentored by the club leader, librarian Basia.

Basia reflected on how they felt when they first heard they were going to be running Code Club sessions, and how their skills and confidence have grown.

“I was daunted for a bit. But actually one of the first things I did when I started this job was to go through some of [the Raspberry Pi Foundation’s] resources and do a project in Scratch. And it was just so simple and straightforward. You know, all the resources are absolutely great and I don’t really need to think about it. I think my confidence has increased quite significantly.”

— Basia, Librarian and Code Club mentor

Since joining Code Club, Micah has become involved in other extracurricular activities, like Lego club and drama club. These experiences have contributed to Micah’s overall personal growth, showcasing the transformative power of Code Club for children.

Young people and adult mentors at a Code Club session.
Code Clubs are save and friendly spaces for learning.

Micah has exciting dreams for the future, including becoming an astrophysicist, a marine biologist, and the founder of a company named Save The Planet. Supported by dedicated mentors like Basia, Code Clubs are not just about teaching coding — they are helping shape the leaders of tomorrow.

Inspire young people in your community

If you are interested in encouraging your child to explore coding, take a look at the free coding project resources we have available to support you. If you would like to set up a Code Club for young people in your community, head to codeclub.org for information and support.

Help us celebrate Micah and his inspiring journey by sharing his story on X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and Facebook.

The post Celebrating the community: Micah appeared first on Raspberry Pi Foundation.