STEMUP Educational Foundation, the award-winning non-profit organization that aims to further Scientific, Technological, Engineering, and Mathematical (STEM) knowledge among Sri Lankan students, has launched its latest innovative initiative titled ‘CoderDojo at Libraries’ in partnership with the National ICT Solutions Provider SLT-MOBITEL, and by collaborating with the National Library of Sri Lanka.
A Dojo is a free, global, volunteer-led, community-based programming club for young people where they can learn to code, build a website, or create an app or game. They are a space for young people to explore technology in an informal, creative, safe, and social environment. CoderDojo sessions are usually run-in person, so that young people can collaborate and code in a fun, social space. CoderDojo Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan network of CoderDojo. STEMUP Educational Foundation manages CoderDojo in Sri Lanka and is also the Official Country Partner of Raspberry Pi Foundation and CoderDojo Foundation. Over the years, CoderDojo Sri Lanka has onboarded over 30 rural IT Centres as Dojos around the country. CoderDojo course content covers a wide range of topics including Hour of Code, Scratch, Micro:bit, Arduino, Web Development, Game Development, Python, Machine Learning & AI, 3D Modelling, Cloud Computing, No Code/Low Code Application Development and Cyber Security.
The primary objective of the new CoderDojo at Libraries program is to allow students from different parts of the country to easily access STEM knowledge free-of-charge at a convenient location and in an interactive setting through an innovative approach to delivering course content. The sessions are entirely activity-based where students are given the opportunity to identify a problem and solve it individually or in groups. Participating students can bring their own laptop or tablet or avail themselves to devices available at the session.
Currently, CoderDojo at Libraries sessions are conducted at public libraries in Colombo, Batticaloa, Kirimatiyana, Hanguranketha and Doluwa on the second Saturday of every month. STEMUP plans to expand the initiative in the coming months to cover 25 libraries in each of the 25 districts of the country.
In addition to this, SLT-MOBITEL facilitates to commence a series of CoderDojo sessions recently commenced at SLT-MOBITEL Training Centres in Welisara, Moratuwa, and Peradeniya. Since, SLT-MOBITEL is always encouraging the younger generation to inculcate their technological skills, SLT-MOBITEL will continue to offer coding programs for kids free-of-charge and sessions will be conducted on the last Saturday of each month, providing a continuous opportunity for children to enhance their coding ability.
While there are ample sources of online content for the various tech topics covered by CoderDojo, initiatives such as CoderDojo at Libraries are able to make a greater impact in young minds by providing hands-on learning opportunities and ensuring students get individual attention at all times. STEMUP has deployed a large team of experienced volunteers who are able to engage with the students and conduct the course in a professional yet fun manner to spark interest among them. It is also believed that the program will also help to fill up libraries and nurture the love for reading among these children once they are exposed to the library setting for prolonged periods.
Expressing his views on the latest initiative, STEMUP Educational Foundation Founder and Director Prabhath Mannapperuma stated, “We are excited about our latest initiative CoderDojo at Libraries that helps to take ICT knowledge to young minds across Sri Lanka thanks to our partnership with SLT-MOBITEL and our collaboration with the National Library of Sri Lanka. Libraries have always been a hub for knowledge for centuries and now it’s time we used them to equip our younger generation with ICT knowledge so that they are given a solid foundation to eventually embark on a career in technology. There has been a very positive response to the program in the 5 libraries we have launched in, and we look forward to expanding it to all 25 districts in the future.”
Speaking about the partnership extended by SLT- MOBITEL, Group Chief Marketing Officer Prabhath Dahanayake stated, “Being the National ICT solution services provider, SLT-MOBITEL’s vision is to bring digital technology to every person, home, and organisation for a fully connected, intelligent world. We are proud to once again partner with STEMUP Educational Foundation and support their latest initiative CoderDojo at Libraries from inception. Through this we can arm our next generation with the necessary ICT knowledge and skills they need to face tomorrow with confidence so that they are able to create a better world for all.”
W. Sunil, Director General, National Library & Documentation Services Board stated, “Libraries have played a key role is delivering knowledge to children and adults for centuries. In recent years, with arrival of technology, library visitor numbers have continued to decline. However, this timely initiative by STEMUP Educational Foundation is certainly a step in the right direction as it will encourage children to spend time at libraries as they learn about the latest ICT technologies. We are hopeful that they will also develop an interest in reading books and libraries will once again become popular place for acquiring knowledge and sharing ideas.”
The STEMUP Educational Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire and engage students to become interested in pursuing Scientific, Technological, Engineering, and Mathematical (STEM) degrees and careers. The organization’s mission is fulfilled through the programs and resources they offer to the Sri Lankan community since 2016. The Foundation has educational opportunities and resources for all and runs several initiatives to get students interested in STEM as early as possible. All of its resources are also offered free-of-charge as a part of the vision of becoming a national model for passionate support for STEM education.