The Joy of Giving Back
This month marks #TheBigShoutOut in Aotearoa NZ, a nationwide campaign encouraging people to give a shout-out to the volunteers who lend their time and energy to make a difference in communities all around Aotearoa. At Code Club, volunteers are an integral part of our kaupapa. The network is vast and includes people from all walks of life; kaiako, parents of club members, industry experts, librarians, high school students, university graduates, community leaders and often, former code club participants.
We want to celebrate the incredible journey of volunteering with Code Club Aotearoa and express our gratitude to those who give their time and skills to the cause. They are helping us shape the future.
The Ripple Effect: Impact on Volunteers
Over the past decade, Code Club Aotearoa has grown from a few computer labs in Ōtautahi Christchurch, supported by a handful of industry professionals, to a nationwide network with hundreds of clubs found in kura, libraries, office meeting rooms, community spaces and marae. Thousands of volunteers from all over the country have joined the initiative, contributing to its impressive expansion.
We attribute this growth to Code Club’s accessibility, flexibility, strong core values and the unique blend of benefits it offers volunteers: opportunities for self-improvement, social responsibility and professional development. This is what makes volunteering with Code Club a rewarding and transformative experience.
We hear from industry professionals who were initially nervous about their lack of experience working with tamariki, hesitating because they felt they didn’t have the confidence to lead sessions. One volunteer mentioned that volunteering with Code Club and having to break down complex concepts for young people has greatly enhanced their communication and teaching skills, which are highly valuable in their professional settings.
“We’re so grateful for the incredible knowledge our industry volunteers share with tamariki, expanding their understanding of technology and their career possibilities.”
Strengthening the Tech Pipeline
Code Club provides a valuable opportunity for ākonga who are outgrowing the curriculum to stay involved by becoming volunteers. Stepping into this new role allows young people to continue to hone their technical skills and develop useful leadership skills while teaching new students. More importantly, it strengthens the tech pipeline, ensuring more young Kiwis can sustain their passion for coding and potentially turn it into a career.
Some of our greatest advocates moved through the programme as students and volunteers; you can find them in startups, tech companies, schools and large organisations all across the motu. One former student, turned volunteer, now a teacher and club leader in Tāmaki Makaurau, says that staying involved with Code Club inspired him to pursue a career in education, specialising in digital technology. He chose this path to inspire the next generation, just as he was inspired during his time as a Code Club student and volunteer.
Encouraging former students to stay on also ensures a steady stream of fresh volunteers, which continually revitalises the Code Club programme. It’s obvious this pathway creates a significant social impact and empowers lasting change, shaping the future of our youth and Aotearoa.
A Sense of Community
One of the most enriching aspects of volunteering with Code Club Aotearoa and something we love the most, is the deep sense of community it fosters. Volunteers come together with a common goal: to inspire and educate the next generation, and in doing so, discover that volunteering is a mutual exchange where both the community and volunteers grow together.
For instance, a seasoned programmer might mentor young coders alongside a university graduate; both gain teaching experience, and the graduate has an opportunity to network while the seasoned programmer is exposed to a fresh perspective. This dynamic creates lasting relationships and professional connections, leading to collaborations that enrich the entire community. Code Club builds a supportive network and enhances the personal and professional lives of everyone involved.
Thank You!
As we celebrate National Volunteer Week, we want to extend a thank you to every volunteer involved in our kaupapa. Your dedication and passion are the pillars of our success! You are more than just volunteers; you are mentors, friends and the heart of a programme that is shaping the future of Aotearoa. Thank you for your unwavering commitment and inspiring the next generation, we couldn’t do it without you!
If you’d like to inspire and support the next generation to code, sign up and become a Code Club volunteer today.