Empowering the next generation of tech stars
CoderDojo is a global network of free, volunteer-led, community-based programming clubs for young people. Anyone aged seven to seventeen can visit a Dojo where they can learn to code, build a website, create an app or a game, and explore technology in an informal, creative, and social environment.
The CoderDojo movement believes that an understanding of programming languages is increasingly important in the modern world, that it’s both better and easier to learn these skills early, and that nobody should be denied the opportunity to do so.
Within the CoderDojo Movement there is a focus on peer learning, youth mentoring and self-led learning.
The CoderDojo Foundation, based here in Dogpatch Labs, supports Dojos around the world by facilitating communication and collaboration across the movement and ensuring that all community members have the tools & content needed to start and run Dojos. They also help to develop a consistent, rich, fun and cool learning environment for participants.
"Our vision is that every child in the world has the opportunity to learn how to code in a safe, fun and social environment"
Dojos are championed by individuals all around the world who are passionate about giving young people the opportunity to learn to code. Starting a Dojo is a fun and incredibly rewarding experience. You do not need to possess technical skills to start a Dojo, the most important attribute you should have is that you can bring people together for a shared goal. Once you make the decision to start a Dojo in your community our registration process will guide you every step of the way making sure you have the most relevant resources to hand.
Start a Dojo
Started by an 18-year-old James Whelton and philanthropist Bill Liao in 2011, CoderDojo has grown into a global movement with more than 1,600 verified Dojos in 75 countries, with new Dojos starting almost every day.
In July 2011 the first CoderDojo was launched at the National Software Centre in Cork. The first sessions were immensely popular, with people travelling from Dublin on a regular basis to attend. Owing to this popularity, and a desire to share the CoderDojo format, James and Bill decided to open source the model.
This encouraged rapid growth, initially across Ireland and then globally in North America and Italy. Through making the movement open source, thousands of dedicated Champions and Mentors set up more Dojos across the world, making the CoderDojo movement a global phenomenon. There are now more than 1,600 verified Dojos in 75 countries, with new Dojos starting almost every day.