Become a real-life (coding) ninja at Code Ninjas Milton Keynes
Say the words "video game" and your kids are bound to stop and listen. Thanks to a brand-new kids coding centre opening in Milton Keynes, local children can now build on their love of gaming and technology by becoming a real-life coding ninja. From the 23rd January, families from across the area can experience Code Ninjas in all its glory, as the centre opens its doors in Milton Keynes!
The exciting new business is being launched by local married couple, Girish Betadpur and Divya Vajapeyam, who made the decision to launch their own kids coding centre when researching opportunities for their tech-loving daughter, Aadya.
“Both Divya and I come from a technology background, so we’re more than aware of the need for the next generation to have an understanding of coding,” said Girish. “When researching coding education opportunities for Aadya, we realised there really wasn’t any provider in our community that fulfilled that need. So, we took matters into our own hands by launching Code Ninjas! Milton Keynes is a real hub of innovation when it comes to digital technology and so we want to give children living in our area the best head start possible by providing a quality standard of coding education, delivered in a fun and exciting atmosphere.”
As you can imagine, things are done a little differently at Code Ninjas. Centres are called dojos, teachers are called Code Senseis®, and students - or ninjas - work through a colour-coded programme to earn wristbands – or belts – just like in martial arts! ‘Belt-up’ ceremonies mark a ninja’s graduation to the next level. Most important of all, the entire curriculum is based on learning through fun. Kids aged 5-14 can often be found working with small teams of friends, building robots or drones and even developing games and apps of their own. And the best part? The coding dojo is a parent-free zone!
“We want to encourage our ninjas to become independent learners so once they enter the dojo, the only adults in the room are our fully-trained Code Senseis. Even the way they enter the dojo is cool – they use their coloured wristbands to check in at reception and then unlock the door digitally. One of the best things for parents is how easy the drop-off process is. Parents can either leave their child with us whilst they’re running errands, or they can hang around and make the most of our parents’ lounge – complete with free coffee, Wi-Fi and working zone! As busy parents ourselves, we know how valuable any downtime is, which is why we’ve really invested in our seamless drop-off process and flexible session times,” added Divya.
Ninjas can attend sessions up to twice a week at a time that’s convenient for the whole family – and that doesn’t mean it has to be the same day and time every week. The centre will also be open on weekends, allowing families to make the most of the handy town centre location.
“We live just ten minutes from our centre and so feel very passionately about our commitment to the community – we hope to become a real after-school hub for local families. And as parents, we’re very proud to start a business that is purely focused on providing life skills for local children, especially during this pivotal time. Many children in our area have missed a significant period of school during the lockdown period – making the most of local extra-curricular activities is a great way to tackle learning loss. We’ve put significant processes in place to ensure the wellbeing of our ninjas and will be keeping student numbers to a minimum to ensure social distancing measures can be met.
“First and foremost, Code Ninjas is a safe space where kids with a love of gaming can come and feel included and encouraged but our programme also teaches invaluable life skills, like team-building and communication. We’re excited to be able to be a positive influence on the young minds of this community.”
Girish and Divya will be welcoming local families to come and find out all there is to know about their exciting kids coding programme at one of their open days, stating on the 23rd January; why not beat the queues and register your interest?
To register or find out more about Code Ninjas, visit www.codeninjas.co.uk/miltonkeynes-bkm-uk
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Editors notes:
For more information, or to speak with the Girish or Divya, contact Kelly Ayres at Rev PR on 07895 876745 or email kelly@revpr.co.uk
Images available: A photo of Girish, Divya and Aadya. Further hi-res photos of the Code Ninjas Milton Keynes centre.