CodeClub, a project kicked off by volunteers who set up after-school clubs that teach young children how to programme computers. Aiming to instil the basics of computer programming into children aged 9-11, this project has been widely welcomed across the world. Now the good hearts come to Hong Kong to help.
These clubs will be built around practical hands-on tasks that will include children making games and eventually controlling robots. It aims to have 20% of the Hong Kong’s primary schools running a Code Club by 2014. How cool would that be?
David Greenwood, founder of Code Club Hong Kong, says “We are teaching to become secretaries”. Adding, “there is a real lack of stimulating education in ICT with curriculums based around Microsoft Office products.”
His big vision is that every child in Hong Kong should have the opportunity to: learn some of the key ideas of computer science; understand computational thinking; learn to program; and have the opportunity to progress to the next level of excellence in these activities.
Although in its early days, Code Club has about 30 volunteers signed up ready to help and has begun work on translating the projects from English into Cantonese.
Projects are based around MIT’s Scratch programming tools, “they’re fun for both kids and big kids [adults] alike” notes David, “even those with minimal programming experience can get up and running with the materials very quickly.”
As Greenwood puts it, “volunteers are our lifeblood”. Code Club relies upon people to help translate projects, organise schedules with schools, and give up an hour a week to teach a club.
The Code Club model has already taken off in a number of countries, “and rightly so”, notes David. “Originally started in the UK, Code Club has since been backed by royalty (Prince Andrew) with clubs appearing all over the globe”.
Code Club aims to start its first clubs in March this year in Hong Kong. In order to meet their ambitious target they are actively looking for new volunteers.
“Don’t miss your chance to join a revolution”, says David. “If you think you can add anything at all out mission, whether as a volunteer or sponsor, I’d love to hear from you.”CodeClub on Startbase.HK: CodeClub
David Greenwood on Startbase.HK : David Greenwood
