Why Parents in Rural Ireland Are Turning to Creative Coding Clubs to Help Kids Build Digital Skills
Across towns and villages in County Cork, something exciting is happening in libraries and community centres: children and parents are learning to code – together. These aren’t just any tech classes. They’re part of a growing movement called OurKidsCode, offering creative coding workshops for families that are sparking joy, creativity, and connection through hands-on technology projects.
Designed for primary school children and their parents, these workshops offer more than just screen time. They introduce families to coding in an accessible, creative way — through projects that blend digital tools with arts, crafts, storytelling and games. Think interactive dance mats made from cardboard and circuit boards, or animated stories brought to life using Scratch, a beginner-friendly programming language for kids.
The heart of OurKidsCode is simple: get families involved in technology together, especially in areas where access to digital education and STEM learning may be limited. And it’s working. A recent impact report revealed that more than 5,240 parents and children across 111 Irish communities have taken part — with County Cork playing a leading role.
One of the most striking findings? Mothers make up 72% of the participating parents, a powerful shift in the narrative around who engages with computing. This gender balance is not only busting old stereotypes but also setting an example for the next generation, especially young girls. Mothers are becoming role models in tech — not just encouraging their children from the sidelines but sitting beside them, coding and creating as equals.
“I’ve seen parents and kids complete their first coding challenge and light up with pride,” said Mary O’Mahony, a Cork-based facilitator. “These workshops help build confidence, not just technical skills. They help families connect and learn something new together.”
For children, this approach to digital learning through play feels more like an adventure than a lesson. It shifts their relationship with technology — from passive consumption to active creation. And for parents, especially those who may feel left behind in the digital age, the workshops offer a welcoming way to re-engage with tech in a fun and supportive setting.
Funded by Science Foundation Ireland and the Department of Rural and Community Development, and supported by Trinity College Dublin and partners like the National Parents Council and Microsoft Dream Space, OurKidsCode is designed to be inclusive and accessible. It places a special focus on rural communities and DEIS schools, ensuring that no family is left out of the digital future.
Dr. Nina Bresnihan, assistant professor at TCD and project lead, explains why this matters: “When families engage together in computing, it improves not just skills, but long-term attitudes. Parents become more confident, and children are more likely to consider computing and STEM as subjects and careers. It’s a long-term investment in digital literacy.”
OurKidsCode is helping to build a culture where technology becomes a shared language between parents and children — a tool for creativity, problem-solving, and connection. In a world where screen time is often passive, these workshops offer an alternative: time spent learning, laughing, and making things together.
To find a local workshop or start your own family coding club, visit www.ourkidscode.ie.
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