Setting Up and Mentoring in CoderDojo Dublin 15

Initilally beginning in Ireland, CoderDojo is a non-profit organisation that has grown rapidly into a global network of community based programming clubs. Mentors teach coding skills to young people aged between 7 and 17. All classes are free of charge and clubs operate entirely on a volunteer basis. The first Dublin 15 based CoderDojo began just over two years ago and continues to thrive during weekend sessions held at The Institute of Technology Blanchardstown (ITB), which offers the use of its premises and resources for the sessions. This paper will chronicle the involvement of ITB staff and students with the CoderDojo, Dublin 15 branch from its inception. How the various contributions of all parties lead to a highly successful collaboration that ultimately led to classes becoming self-sustainable as a local facility for Dublin 15 children. Furthermore, this collaboration not only yielded benefits for the young people encountering coding for the first time, but spotlighted the previously untapped skillset of computing students and staff to engage in civic outreach in the wider community.