Research has shown that children engage more in activities that are shared with their parents. The Clubs are made up of around six families, parents and children of national school age. Unlike other more established coding programmes, OurKidsCode is not purely computer based but takes the programming languages and applies them to physical microcomputers like the Makey Makey or Microbits. Because the clubs are working with physical materials rather than just with code it widens the age bracket for children being able to take part with younger or less technical children able to take part in the physical design and making while older children initially do the coding but gradually hand over this responsibility to their other family members. 

As it is families and children working together it breaks down the age barriers between families as everyone is taking part creating a more inclusive environment. Children help other children and it provides a valuable social outlet for parents to meet and develop the projects together. The family environment also means that disadvantaged children are better catered for. The OurKidsCode Clubs aim to inspire the next generation of problem solvers, creators, and developers by encouraging them to explore technology fearlessly.

They encourage creativity and have explored a wide array of fun projects, ranging from robotics to addressing environmental challenges with micro bits, igniting curiosity and fuelling imagination.

More clubs are being developed across Meath’s Broadband Connection Point network in collaboration with Meath County Council. With clubs already established in Bective, and a new one forming in Drumree more family clubs are planned with taster sessions being organised in Kilskyre Community Activity Centre, Rathkenny Hall with more sites to be added in March and April. Anyone interested in finding out more or taking part in one of the taster sessions should contact Meath County Council’s Broadband Officer, at broadband@meathcoco.ie.