Leitrim joins nationwide OurKidsCode programme to boost family STEAM skills

Leitrim is benefiting from the exciting OurKidsCode initiative, a nationwide programme aimed at bringing Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) activities to families in rural Ireland. 

The programme, which empowers parents and children to explore coding and technology together, is making waves in rural communities like Leitrim by bridging the digital divide and fostering community engagement. 

In partnership with Leitrim County Council, OurKidsCode is activating local Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) and community venues as educational hubs. These efforts bring digital learning opportunities directly to rural families, ensuring access to STEAM education in areas that  previously lacked resources. 

As part of OurKidsCode’s ongoing efforts to spread STEAM activities across rural Ireland, Leitrim families are encouraged to attend a special STEAM Fun Day in Tipperary on November 16 at TUS Thurles Campus. 

This free event will feature hands-on workshops, coding challenges, robotics, and creative projects, designed to inspire children and parents alike. Families from Leitrim will have the chance to connect with others from neighbouring counties while engaging in  fun and educational activities. 

This event coincides with Science Week, which runs the same week,  making it a perfect opportunity to celebrate STEAM learning.  

"We’re thrilled to invite families from Leitrim to join OurKidsCode in Tipperary for this incredible STEAM Fun Day,” said Louise Caldwell, Programme Manager for OurKidsCode, Trinity College, Dublin.

“It’s a perfect opportunity to learn, create, and see first-hand the exciting world of technology that OurKidsCode brings to rural communities.”

By encouraging families to work together, OurKidsCode not only develops technical skills but also strengthens the bonds within these communities. 

Leitrim, like many rural areas, faces challenges in maintaining community infrastructure and  accessing educational opportunities. OurKidsCode directly addresses these issues by offering  digital learning opportunities that help develop essential skills for the future. Approximately half of Ireland's population lives in rural areas, and programmes like OurKidsCode are crucial in ensuring that rural communities remain connected, engaged, and  equipped for the evolving digital world. 

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OurKidsCode works in collaboration with industry and government partners to advance, with the  aim of promoting greater diversity in technology graduates in Ireland. OurKidsCode research shows that parents have the biggest influence on children’s subject choices, and parents report  not feeling confident in STEAM subjects to advise fully. 

OurKidsCode builds confidence and positively influences parents' attitudes towards computing and technology.  

Notably, female participation in STEAM in Ireland has seen improvement. Between 2015 and  2022, data from the Higher Education Authority (HEA) reveals that the percentage of female  participants in STEAM increased from 18 percent to between 21 percent and 24 percent, depending on the specific STEAM field. 

Louise Caldwell expressed optimism about the future, noting, “Through collaboration with  initiatives across Ireland aimed at improving diversity in participation in STEAM, we can  significantly raise this percentage over the coming decade.”  

OurKidsCode is led by Dr. Nina Bresnihan in the School of Computer Science and Statistics, Trinity College Dublin. 

Funded by Science Foundation Ireland, the Department of Education and the Department of Rural and Community Development, they work with partners to build pathways for inclusion to provide the opportunity to be a part of a growing community of family  creative coding clubs across Ireland, with a strong focus on rural areas.  

Families from across Ireland are invited to mark their calendars for this free and exciting event.  

The OurKidsCode Family STEAM Fun Day at TUS Thurles Campus promises a day of learning, creativity, and fun for all. 

For more information and to register for the event, visit https://www.ourkidscode.ie/event

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