Start your CoderDojo journey

What is CoderDojo?

CoderDojo is a volunteer-led and community-based programming club for young people. Dojos are more than just a space for young people to learn code: Dojos are a way for them to explore technology and community relationships. From ages 7 to 17, a Dojo provides a space for young people to learn to code, create apps, or even build a website. There are a variety of projects for all levels. As a volunteer, you will help lead an informal and creative environment. Any volunteering you do with a CoderDojo can be uploaded onto your STEM Ambassador profile and counted towards your volunteer hours.

I want to volunteer, but how?

Dojos benefit from having a group of volunteers who bring a wide range of experiences. Here are a few examples of the many ways that you can get involved:

  • Help to organise Dojo sessions
  • Prepare learning resources or activities for sessions
  • Promote your Dojo’s sessions locally
  • Mentor young learners during sessions
  • Organise the session space and equipment

To volunteer at a local Dojo, follow the three steps below.

1.    Find your local Dojo

Use our website to find a Dojo near you. Contacting your local Dojo through their email is a great place to start, but you can also see if they have a website or social media page that you can use to contact them.

2.    Complete our safeguarding training

It’s important to complete this safeguarding module as we want to make sure our volunteers are comfortable and knowledgeable in child safeguarding best practices. After completing your free online training, you’re ready to volunteer!

3.    Visit a Dojo

Hooray! You’ve contacted a Dojo and completed the training, so there’s only one step left — to visit a Dojo! By attending a session, you’ll be able to connect with other volunteers and help create a fun learning environment for young people to code.

Want to start your own Dojo?

If there are no local Dojos in your area or you want to start your own, that’s great too! Visit our ‘Start a Dojo’ webpage for more information on how you can set up and run a club for young people in your local community.