Our Legacy (2013-2020) #
CoderDojo Poland was more than just a coding club—it was a movement that transformed how we think about technology education and community volunteering in Poland.
The Beginning (2013) #
In 2013, inspired by the global CoderDojo movement, a group of passionate volunteers brought the CoderDojo concept to Poland. What started as a small initiative in a few cities quickly grew into a nationwide network of coding clubs.
By the Numbers #
Impact Achieved #
- 50+ cities across Poland hosted CoderDojo sessions
- 500+ volunteers contributed their time and expertise
- 5,000+ young people learned to code through our programs
- 200+ events organized across the country
- 7 years of continuous operation
What We Taught #
- Web Development - HTML, CSS, JavaScript
- Python Programming - From basics to advanced projects
- Scratch - Visual programming for younger learners
- Game Development - Creating interactive games and animations
- Mobile Apps - Introduction to app development
- Hardware Projects - Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and electronics
Key Achievements #
2013-2015: Foundation Years #
- Established the first CoderDojo chapters in Warsaw, Krakow, and Gdansk
- Developed Polish-language learning materials and resources
- Built partnerships with local schools and libraries
- Created a sustainable volunteer recruitment model
2016-2018: Growth and Expansion #
- Expanded to over 30 cities across Poland
- Launched specialized workshops for different age groups
- Developed mentor training programs
- Created an online community platform for volunteers
2019-2020: Maturation and Transition #
- Reached peak participation with regular sessions in 50+ locations
- Launched advanced programming tracks
- Developed partnerships with universities and tech companies
- Began transition planning as the initiative evolved
Our Volunteers #
The heart of CoderDojo Poland was always its volunteers. These dedicated individuals came from all walks of life:
- Professional developers sharing their expertise
- University students gaining teaching experience
- Career changers exploring the tech industry
- Retired educators continuing their passion for teaching
- Parents supporting their children’s learning journey
Success Stories #
Alumni Achievements #
Many of our former students have gone on to pursue careers in technology:
- Computer science university programs
- Internships at major tech companies
- Entrepreneurial ventures and startups
- Contributing to open-source projects
Volunteer Growth #
Our volunteers also benefited tremendously:
- Career advancement in tech roles
- Leadership positions in their companies
- Speaking opportunities at conferences
- Launching their own educational initiatives
The Model That Worked #
Free and Accessible #
- No fees for participants
- Weekend sessions to accommodate school schedules
- Locations accessible by public transport
- Materials provided free of charge
Community-Driven #
- Local volunteers led each chapter
- Content adapted to local needs and interests
- Strong support network between chapters
- Emphasis on peer learning and collaboration
Practical Learning #
- Project-based approach to coding education
- Real-world applications and examples
- Showcase events for student projects
- Mentorship beyond just coding skills
Why It Mattered #
CoderDojo Poland proved that:
- Volunteer-led education can achieve professional-quality results
- Community engagement creates lasting positive change
- Free access to technology education helps bridge the digital divide
- Passion and dedication can scale to national impact
The Legacy Continues #
While the formal CoderDojo Poland program concluded in 2020, its impact lives on:
- Former volunteers continue teaching and mentoring
- Educational materials remain available as open resources
- Community networks persist and support new initiatives
- The model inspires other volunteer-led educational programs
Learn from Our Experience #
The CoderDojo Poland story demonstrates the power of grassroots organizing and volunteer dedication. Our experience offers valuable lessons for anyone interested in creating similar educational initiatives in their community.