CoderDojo Steyr: Digital education for all children in the region

CoderDojo Steyr: Digital education for all children in the region

STEYR. CoderDojo Steyr has established itself as an important contact point for children and young people in the region to discover the digital world in a playful way. Over the last six years, the free programming club has reached around 700 young people aged 7 to 17. But in order to continue to successfully implement its mission, CoderDojo Steyr relies on the support of volunteer mentors and sponsors.

With the aim of promoting digital educational equality, the CoderDojo team plans its projects in three-year cycles. The next phase begins in 2025 and initiator Maria Pernegger explains that they are looking for companies that are willing to give disadvantaged children free access to IT and technology. “We want children from different social classes to have the same opportunities in the digital sector,” she emphasizes.

Support for competitiveness

The close cooperation with other CoderDojo locations, such as Linz and Mostviertel, shows that exchange and development in the region are of fundamental importance. This is also underlined by Daniela Zeiner, Managing Director of TIC Steyr, who says: “It is now a must to have a CoderDojo in the Steyr region so that we remain competitive.” There are numerous opportunities for companies that support the initiative, such as hosting dojos on their own premises, giving them greater visibility in the community.

Promoting girls in technology is particularly important to the CoderDojo Steyr team. Through special “Girls Specials”, which are organized in cooperation with BMD Systemhaus, the proportion of girls in the program has increased significantly – from the initial 25% to 45%. Pernegger states: “Girls often feel more comfortable in a protected environment, and we can reach them better through special approaches.”

The consistency of the offer depends not only on the committed mentors, but also on the organizational work of TIC Steyr. The administration of the dojos and public relations are crucial to attract new participants and keep the technical equipment in good condition. Zeiner describes the ongoing requirements: “Maintaining the laptops, maintaining the social media channels and coordinating the mentors are essential for our success.”

Looking back at the past six years, CoderDojo Steyr's performance becomes clear. Over 300 children took part this year alone. In addition to programming, the program also offers workshops on image editing and even soldering specials that promote technical understanding. “We are proud of the girls group that won prizes at the Austrian Youth Hackathon,” continues Pernegger.

Next steps and participation offers

For the coming years, CoderDojo Steyr would like to not only look back on the existing support, but also gain new partners. “We need mentors who want to get actively involved and sponsors to shape the next project phase,” she explains. Those interested can attend the events or contact TIC Steyr directly.

Given the next programming sessions, it is important to know that the next opportunities to participate will take place on October 18th at TIC Steyr and November 15th at BG Werndlpark, both from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. All children between the ages of 7 and 17 are invited free of charge and do not need any previous knowledge or their own laptops to participate. All information and registration options can be found on the CoderDojo Steyr website. More details and regulations are available available here.