Leitrim Council partners with Trinity College Dublin for Science week

Leitrim County Council is inviting parents and children aged 7 to 12 to discover the world of technology together this November through a series of free OurKidsCode workshops as part of Science Week 2025, running from November 9th to 16th.

The family-friendly sessions will take place at Leitrim’s Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) and local libraries, offering a fun and engaging way for families to explore coding, problem-solving, and creative thinking.

Developed by a research team at Trinity College Dublin, OurKidsCode is a national initiative designed to help families learn about coding in a relaxed, hands-on environment. No prior experience is needed — just curiosity, a laptop, and a willingness to try something new.

Leitrim County Council has supported OurKidsCode for the past 18 months, with the workshops already proving a major hit among local families. Participants have praised the sessions for being interactive, educational, and a great way to spend time together.

“Working as a facilitator with OurKidsCode here in Leitrim, it has been lovely to see parents and children sitting together, laughing, creating, problem solving, and being proud of what they achieve as a family,” said Martina Gilmartin, facilitator of the OurKidsCode programme in Leitrim.

“In this very tech-savvy world, many parents worry about children spending too much time on screens. OurKidsCode offers something completely different – active, creative computer time rather than passive screen time. It’s about connection — between parents and children, between families and communities, and between creativity and technology.”

The initiative is part of a wider effort by Leitrim County Council to bridge the urban–rural divide by bringing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) learning opportunities to communities throughout the county.

“Leitrim County Council are delighted to be part of this very worthwhile initiative with Trinity College and OurKidsCode,” said Nicola McManus, Broadband Officer with Leitrim County Council.

“We encourage families to take this opportunity to support our young people to access valuable learning in the area of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths.”

Parents who have already taken part say the experience is both fun and inspiring.

“We really loved the coding workshop provided by OurKidsCode over four days in Manorhamilton Library last year,” said Fiona Wheeldon, who attended with her two sons. “My kids are still interested in coding now, with the younger one doing Makey Makey projects and the older one exploring Makecode Arcade at home.”

In addition to being educational and enjoyable, initiatives like OurKidsCode could help open new career pathways for young people in rural areas — particularly for girls — as many technology and computing jobs can now be done remotely.

Families, parent associations, and community groups interested in hosting OurKidsCode workshops at their local BCPs can email nicola.mcmanus@leitrimcoco.ie

To register or learn more, contact your local library, your nearest BCP, or phone Martina Gilmartin on 087 154 5012.

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