Duke of York backs drive to teach school children computer code skills

 
Tech skill: the Duke keeps a close eye on a young coder at the CoderDojo session
Matt Watts14 July 2014

The Duke of York has encouraged young computer coders to keep working on their tech skills, to develop their creativity and help in their future careers.

Prince Andrew hosted a Buckingham Palace event for 60 young people who are learning the basics of computer programming. His Royal Highness watched as the students, from schools in Victoria, were given lessons in the basics of computer programming.

The session was organised by CoderDojo, a not-for-profit organisation supported by the Duke helping youths from seven to 17 learn how to code, develop websites, apps and games.

Prince Andrew said: “I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to invite CoderDojo into the Palace as a stepping-stone to getting more business in the local area to think about this.”

Participants took home credit card-sized computers, with the Duke encouraging them to use the devices to develop skills and saying he would check on their progress in six months.Last week’s session was the inaugural meeting of Coderdojo’s Victoria coding club.

CoderDojo co-founder Bill Liao said: “Acting as a convener of resources and talent to bring CoderDojo to the families in the Victoria area, the Duke of York has shown his commitment to the high-tech future of inner city youth.”

Prince Andrew has been involved with a number of organisations and initiatives that support coding.

His iDEA initiative, also backed by rapper and The Voice judge Will.i.am, aims to support 16- to 25-year-olds in developing a business venture, enabling them to build prototypes and test their ideas in the marketplace.

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