Author: Zoe Davidson

Zoe Davidson

Orientations Training Centre: Sparking curiosity about coding

Orientations Training Centre, a Code Club global partner based in Sudan and currently working in Egypt, is a non-profit organisation whose mission is to equip young people with the programming skills needed for future careers. It also aims to inspire them to be innovative, creative problem-solvers through technology.

A young girl and a woman are engaged in a coding session at a table with a laptop, focusing intently as they explore programming activities.

Ruhee Shah, Global Partnerships Coordinator at the Raspberry Pi Foundation, spoke to Abdelmoneim Mohammed, CEO of the Orientations Training Centre, about how Code Club empowers young people to consider a future career in which technology plays a big role.

Learning through doing

The Orientations Training Centre launched its first Code Club in 2021 and has since grown rapidly to include over 450 active members. The programme is delivered in various ways, from hosting sessions for Sudanese students at the Orientations Training Centre in Cairo, Egypt, to running sessions in Khartoum, Sudan, and offering regular online sessions. The organisation’s success is rooted in its hands-on, project-based learning approach, which aligns with their philosophy of learning through doing, as well as teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking.

“We’ve seen tremendous growth in confidence, logical thinking, and collaboration among our students. Many have developed a strong sense of leadership and curiosity about how technology can improve their communities.”
– Abdelmoneim Mohammed, CEO of Orientations Training Centre

What young people enjoy most is the freedom to create games and digital stories to tackle real-world problems like health awareness and recycling, demonstrating their understanding of coding as a powerful tool to make a real difference in people’s lives.

“I learned that coding is not just about computers – it’s about solving problems and helping people.”

– Yasmin, Code Club creator

A young girl stands in front of a laptop and a screen displaying coding blocks and a game interface, engaged in a programming session.

A path to opportunity

Beyond Code Club, students have gone on to lead their own school STEM clubs, participate in international competitions, and even mentor younger learners, proving coding can unlock opportunities beyond programming.

“In our community, computing education represents a path to opportunity. It helps young people see themselves as creators, not just consumers of technology, and equips them with skills essential for future careers and innovation.”

– Abdelmoneim Mohammed, CEO of Orientations Training Centre

Hundreds of young creators have been empowered to develop digital solutions that address real-world problems. Students have represented Sudan in international innovation and robotics competitions, winning awards in Coolest Projects and the Codeavour AI and Robotics Competition.

“Code Club makes me feel like I can build anything I imagine.” 

– Abdelrhman, Code Club creator

Two young boys holding signs that read 'Coolest Projects Sudan' and 'Creativity', smiling in front of a laptop.

Overcoming challenges

Despite the current humanitarian crisis in Sudan, Abdelmoneim continues to persevere. Through virtual learning, strategic partnerships, and a dedicated team, he has ensured engaging and impactful sessions continue to be delivered to all his Code Club students, regardless of where they are currently based.

“Start small but dream big. A Code Club can change lives – not just by teaching coding but by nurturing problem-solvers, innovators, and leaders for the future.”

– Abdelmoneim Mohammed, CEO of Orientations Training Centre

Interested in running your own Code Club? Find out more on how to get started.

Coding, creativity, and community spirit: The story of Code Club Wirral

Since 2017, Code Club Wirral has been sparking curiosity, creativity, and confidence among hundreds of young people on the Wirral in Cheshire. This star club runs every Thursday evening, when Wallasey Library transforms into a bustling hub of discovery and lines of code turn into games, animations, and laughter.

A man and a young girl sitting at a computer station in a library, both smiling. The girl is using a computer mouse while the man looks on supportively.

Led by volunteer John, the club welcomes around 15 young people and their parents/carers each week. Though the club advertises for ages 9 to 13, even younger children — some as young as five — have joined in with enthusiasm and help from a parent. 

Over the years, John estimates that around 800 young people have attended the sessions, not including those met through outreach at local MakeFests.

“We’ve seen children grow in skill and confidence, and parents too! Every session brings a new spark of creativity and it’s amazing to see families travel from across the Wirral — sometimes over seven miles — just to join us,” says John.

A volunteer standing behind two children working on a computer at Code Club Wirral, with a table displaying a water bottle and notes in a library setting.

From parent to leader: How it all began

John’s journey into Code Club started, fittingly, with his own children. “I first took them to a Code Club at Seacombe Library, run by a brilliant team of volunteers,” he recalls. “The projects and resources from Code Club were fantastic; they really clicked with the kids. That’s when I decided to volunteer myself.”

With encouragement from librarian Elaine, and with a group of dedicated volunteers, John launched Code Club Wirral at Wallasey Library in 2017, and it has grown steadily ever since.

“It’s amazing how something as simple as sharing a coding project can open up a whole world of learning and confidence,” John reflects.

A group of six Code Club volunteers standing in a library, wearing matching t-shirts, smiling and posing for a photo.

Libraries and learning: A perfect partnership

Wirral Libraries have played a key role in Code Club’s success.The partnership has flourished over the years, with libraries providing both the space and the spirit that make the sessions special.

“The libraries serve as vital community hubs,” John explains. “The IT suites are perfect for Code Club, and we’ve built great connections with other clubs, creators, and volunteers through the library network.”

For Emma, one of the librarians at Wallasey Library, Code Club fits seamlessly with the library’s mission:

“It supports our learning and engagement and digital strategies,” she says. “We’re developing skills in a young demographic — building confidence, learning, transferable skills, and employability.”

And it’s not just coding that draws people in. When the club is in session, the atmosphere is bustling and engaged. Young people and parents often end up exploring books, borrowing micro:bits, and signing up for other library competitions and events.

The impact on young people and their families

The impact of Code Club Wirral is felt deeply by those who attend. For Erin, eight, Code Club is a highlight of her week. “It’s fun, chilled and relaxing,” she says proudly. “My first project was Ghostbusters. I was really proud of it. I didn’t think I’d do that well!”

Parents notice the difference, too. Hannah, who brings her son and daughter to Code Club and has been attending for eight weeks, says: “I thought they’d need more help, but they’re doing things I couldn’t do. Watching them solve challenges on their own, it’s fantastic.”

These stories echo what makes Code Club so special: it’s not just about learning to code, but about building resilience, creativity, and independence, and all in a supportive, community-driven environment.

A young boy interacts with a computer while an adult, partly visible, observes him, both engaged in a coding session at a library.

A ripple effect across the Wirral

Since its first session in 2017, Code Club Wirral has done more than teach digital skills;  it’s built a network of collaboration and curiosity that extends far beyond the library walls.

The club’s influence can be felt in the community: from parents discovering their children’s hidden talents, to librarians expanding their digital outreach, to volunteers forming lasting partnerships.

John, the volunteer team and the Wirral Libraries team show how a simple idea like sharing coding with young people can grow into something powerful and lasting.

Want to start your own Code Club?

If you’ve been inspired by Wirral’s Code Club story, visit codeclub.org to learn how you can start a club in your community or library.

Two clubs, two worlds: How Fiona and Bob adapt Code Club for the library and the classroom

Fiona Lindsay, a primary school teacher in Aberdeenshire, and Bob Bilsland, a seasoned software engineer in Malvern, both run successful Code Clubs. But while their shared goal is to inspire young coders, they run in two different environments: a library and a school.

A primary school teacher assists a student at a computer during a coding session, with additional laptops visible on the table.
A man and two girls are engaged in a coding session at a table in a well-lit room, with bookshelves in the background.

Both clubs are part of our new Star Club programme — outstanding, welcoming Code Clubs that serve as examples and visit locations for potential new leaders interested in starting their own club.

In a recent online community call, Fiona and Bob shared how their different settings shape their approach to running a Code Club. 

The audience: Predictable vs. unpredictable

Fiona’s school-based Code Club benefits from a structured, consistent audience since the creators are all students from her school.

“We have 28 creators this term, the most we’ve ever had! Priority goes to P7 (10- to 12-year-olds) as it’s their last year of primary school. Before summer, we put up posters to advertise a “codealong session” and experience what a Code Club session is like and they had the opportunity to complete a short project. This gave them an insight into what typically happens at our coding club and they then can make a decision if it’s for them. 99% of the time they want to return!”

Having this consistent group of creators who attend weekly, allows for a steady, project-based learning journey where each session builds on the last. Fiona says: “It’s a bit like a classroom, but with a focus on fun!”

A smiling child in a red school sweater sitting at a desk with a laptop, displaying a cartoonish character on the screen, surrounded by colorful pens and books.

In contrast, Bob’s library Code Club runs monthly and has a much more varied and unpredictable attendance. He sees a mix of enthusiastic regulars turning up every month, young people who come on and off, and has seen an increase in home-educated young people attending Code Club to build their coding knowledge.

“You can’t always guarantee who is going to attend your Code Club each month. This is probably one of the biggest differences from a school Code Club. Who turns up and their level of experience with code — they could be complete novices or have a lot of experience. You have to be quite flexible and reactive”.

Bob’s approach is adaptable and focuses on providing a range of activities that can appeal to different interests and abilities in any given session.

Session logistics: Weekly vs. monthly

Another difference is session frequency. Fiona’s school club meets weekly, which is great for maintaining momentum and keeping the projects fresh in the creators’ minds. The regular schedule helps build a strong routine and allows students to progress through projects like the Introduction to Scratch projects with ease.

Students engaging in a coding activity in a classroom setting, with laptops open and educational materials visible.

Bob’s Code Club runs monthly, so he relies on strong communication to keep members engaged, informed, and ready to return. The standalone projects help him match activities to each creator’s skills and interests, while the Code Club platform makes it easy to manage sessions, stay connected, and maintain momentum.

The role of parents: Hands-off vs. hands-on

This is perhaps the most significant difference between the two environments. In Fiona’s school club, parents are generally not present during the sessions. The school environment provides a controlled setting where teachers, volunteers, and youth mentors are the primary facilitators.

In Bob’s library club, it’s a different story. Code Clubs run in libraries require parents or guardians to remain in the building for the Code Club. Bob says this is a positive:

“We often see parents/guardians sitting with their children, convinced they know nothing about coding; it can be a fear thing! However, when I see that rapport between a parent/guardian and child growing as they learn together, it’s a really supportive and positive moment to witness.”

The takeaway: Finding the right fit

Both Fiona and Bob agree that Code Clubs can thrive in any setting. Fiona’s success highlights the benefits of a structured, school-based model that allows for consistent progression and peer mentorship among young people. Bob’s experience showcases the power of flexibility and community in a library setting, where the focus is on catering to diverse interests and getting parents involved in the learning process.

There’s no single “right” way to run a Code Club. Whether you’re a teacher looking to start a club in your school or a volunteer aiming to launch one in a local library or another setting, the Code Club platform provides all the resources you need to get started. 

As Fiona says: The most important thing is to be “solution-focused”, and adapt to the needs of your community.

Inspired by Code Club mentors Bob and Fiona? Join the movement, and run a Code Club in your community!