Coderdojo and Salesforce Partnership Launches in Toronto

The Coderdojo movement is alive and well around the globe in partnership with Salesforce and Salesforce.org, operating in a handful of cities where Salesforce employees are based. Toronto can now be included in that list, as the official Salesforce Toronto Coderdojo Chapter launched on December 8 in partnership with Toronto Kiwanis Boys & Girls Club – Regent Park.

Providing an open source and volunteer led free coding for young people, Coderdojo is a fantastic partner for Salesforce.org’s STEM education initiatives. Most dojos are public in nature, but like the Salesforce Toronto chapter, there are a handful of private dojos that work with a specific group or community partner.

The launch coincided with Computer Science Education Week, which is fitting because 24 young people ages 8-9 were introduced to the world of coding with the Hour of Code curriculum during the initial Dojo kick off. Seven volunteer mentors from Toronto’s Salesforce office provided guidance (and encouragement) to young coders, some who had never coded before.

“It’s an amazing feeling to see the gears moving and the light bulbs lighting up in the next generation of the tech community,” said Austin Tam, Director, Product Management and one of the mentors present for the launch.

Kiwanis is focused on providing quality before and after school care programs for their young members and the Coderdojo chapter is a great fit to the roster. Tim Bell, Manager, Children Services with Kiwanis realizes the importance of coding, especially with those so young. “Coding is a relevant skill, more schools are introducing programming around this and a coding club is a great addition for our clubhouse. We have a computer lab that wasn’t being used for any structured program, so it’s a better use of lab time.”

It was clear with all the proud beaming faces that the coding sessions were a big hit. Aaron Zhang, Software Engineer, mentored a young lady named Siya during her coding session, “Siya was super bright and cheerful, I thoroughly enjoyed mentoring her.”

Dojo Days will resume in January 2016 with a weekly coding club delivering Coderdojo curriculum at the clubhouse as well as special days onsite at the Salesforce office.

For more information visit Coderdojo and Toronto Kiwanis Boys & Girls Club.