Template Press Release

'''Coder Dojo in County X !

The Non-Profit Organisation that teaches children how to code is expanding'''

What is Coder Dojo? Irish led, this global network of computer clubs is a place for young people to learn to code, develop websites, apps, games and more!

Coder Dojo has recently seen a club open in Silicon Valley in California. Silicon Valley is home to many of the world's largest technology corporations and is a significant mark on the expansion of Coder Dojo as it is so rare for an Irish tech brand to be imported into the United States.

The programme takes children out of their bedrooms and ignites their intelligence. The club-class atmosphere encourages them to share their knowledge, doubts and ideas, and makes them eager to attend further sessions. Like minded children interact with each other, and this is especially beneficial for the children who often feel left out as they are more interested in technology than sports or music. Each session is mentored by incredible people that are willing to give up time to help out some young people passionate about learning how to code, learn about tech and more.

Thanks to CoderDojo, children learn important skills that will really benefit them in the future, especially if it is taken into account that the software industry in Ireland is strong and many international software companies have made Ireland a base for their offices.

And the best feature about CoderDojo is that it is absolutely free! How many activities can you find for kids these days that are free?

Where have James Whelton and Bill Liao, Co-Founders of CoderDojo come from? James Whelton, from Co. Cork, ran a computer club in his own school and shortly after finishing his leaving Cert and teamed up with Angel Investor and XING co-founder Bill Liao in Cork to make Coder Dojo happen. Bill Liao founded WeForest.org (an international non-profit organization combating global warming) and is a venture partner at SOS Ventures, a global venture capital and investment management firm.

Call for 2 volunteers in Co. X to set up a Dojo! CoderDojo’s mission is to open a club in every town of Ireland. It is very simple to set up a Dojo and the following are the main requirements:

Space with Internet - We suggest a local office building that has a big empty space, such as a cafeteria, that is not normally used on a weekend. (heat, light and lots of power sockets also help a lot) Volunteers and Mentors – you need people who will come help out, teach the sessions, help tidy up and get the space ready. A Champion/Co-ordinator – You need someone who will just show up week in week out to make sure that your Dojo can be relied upon to be there and be a point of contact for that Dojo!

If you have the desire to help and pass on your knowledge to the next generation please visit www.coderdojo.com for more information on the set up process. Then take the next step – express your interest and set up your Dojo by emailing startup@coderdojo.com