Code Ninjas launch proves business in Welwyn Garden City is on the mend
What do you get if you combine your kids’ favourite pastime of video gaming with something more educational? Code Ninjas. The new coding studio is opening its doors to budding coders in Welwyn Garden City on Sunday 9th May.
Local husband and wife, Pradip and Bhavna Patel, are launching Code Ninjas to help kids learn how to think and solve STEM problems using fun coding sessions. After struggling to find an affordable and local coding camp for their own children, two sets of twins, they decided to take matters into their own hands and launch the business.
Mum-of-four, Bhavna, said, “Like all businesses, we have felt the strain caused by the pandemic. However, we believe there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel. We feel very passionately about our commitment to the community and 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 lockdown – making the most of local extra-curricular activities is a great way to tackle learning loss. We’re looking forward to welcoming all the excited ninjas!”
At Code Ninjas things are done differently. The locations are called dojos, the teachers are called Code Senseis, and the students are called ninjas! The ninjas work their way through a colour-coded programme to earn wristbands that symbolise their experience, just like in martial arts. 'Belt up' sessions are held for the ninjas who graduate up a level.
Code Ninjas sessions have a significant focus on fun. Kids aged 5-14 are taught how to build robots, drones and even develop their own games and apps.
“We are the only coding academy that offers weekly classes throughout the year. We will also be holding holiday camps for the kids during the school holidays, which will help out busy parents,” said Pradip.
“Children will need to have a technical aptitude to compete in the future job market. The skills for critical analysis and problem-solving are key in today's workplace and even more important in the future. Code Ninjas can help children to learn all of this whilst having loads of fun."
The kids coding programme is based at Applecroft School – although welcomes all local children - as Pradip explained, "The school is so excited to have us that they're pulling out all the stops. Hire funds from Code Ninjas will be used by the school to help the children in our local community. The school wants to promote coding, and we’re here to help them!
"We have a huge focus on providing the very best for our ninjas. Not only are we keen to provide the best facilities, but we also look to equip them to become independent learners. The programme also teaches skills such as team-building and communication, which are essential in later life."
The Code Ninjas team has put in place numerous safety measures to ensure the wellbeing of everyone attending the dojo. Student numbers will be kept to a minimum, to begin with, to ensure that social distancing measures are met.
Pradip and Bhavna are not only bringing essential life skills and fun to the next generation of tech gurus but also employment opportunities in the community. The couple have already taken on seven Senseis, an assistant manager and studio director, Chrysoula Lazaraki - a qualified teacher who has worked extensively with children across the autistic spectrum.
With just a few weeks until the grand opening of Code Ninjas Welwyn Garden City, now's the time to beat the crowds and register your child's place! To register for the grand opening party from 10am-12.30pm, or a free 30 minute Taster Session, visit: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/open-day-free-taster-session-ticket-tickets-149154766923