New skills workshop for youngsters in Aylesbury launched with free Halloween event

A free Halloween event was held in Aylesbury to celebrate the launch of a new workshop service.

On Saturday (29 October), families visited Buckinghamshire New University’s Aylesbury campus to celebrate the launch of Code Ninjas in town.

The Code Ninjas have labeled the free workshop a ‘fang-tastic grand opening.

It was held in recognition of the newly-opened Coding Dojo at the university which will host sessions helping youngsters learn how to use internet-based programmes.

Best friends Robin Theakston and Charlie Gunn, are the minds behind the programme.

“It was amazing to see so many families come together to see us for some spine-tingling free coding sessions,” said Robin. “We’re so appreciative of all the new and familiar faces that enjoyed Halloween with us and celebrated the success we and our Ninjas have had since opening in the summer.

"With some impressive fancy dress costumes, ghoulishly themed coding challenges, as well as lots and lots of trick-or-treat sweets, everyone seemed to have a terrifyingly terrific time.”

For dads Robin and Charlie, inspiring young children in their community from an early age is a real passion project of theirs.

“Since launching Code Ninjas in Aylesbury, it’s been amazing to see so many Ninjas – the name we give to our students – progressing in our dojo and having a blast building video games and developing coding skills,” said Charlie. “After the success of our summer sessions, it only made sense to welcome even more young coders into our dojo with the launch of our new junior programme, specially created for children as young as five.”

Coding dojos are aimed at children between five and 14 and are also up-and-running in High Wycombe.

“We think it’s really important to encourage and nurture this passion at an early age by letting our Ninjas explore practical activities, like building their own video games,” added Robin.

“They are learning the language of the future – we want to give kids a gift that lasts a lifetime. Learning about computers at such a young age is crucial because it helps build the key foundations for future success. We are just getting started on our mission to create confident, resilient kid coders across

Buckinghamshire.”

More information can be found online here.