Milton Keynes unlocks the doors to its very first kids coding dojo!
On Saturday 17th April, kids from across the region helped the team at Code Ninjas celebrate the launch of their brand-new coding dojo. Owners Girish and Divya Betadpur were determined to make it a day to remember for video-game-loving kids in their community.
Code Ninjas opened its doors in Broughton Gate to crowds of budding young ninjas. Amongst the excited children and their parents were a few notable faces, one being Mayor Andrew Geary. "I wish Code Ninjas Milton Keynes all the best in their adventure. In these times of uncertainty for our local businesses, it’s amazing to see things slowly return to normal and the launch of this new centre proves business in Milton Keynes is on the mend,” said Mayor Geary.
“Coding is the future, and at Code Ninjas kids aged 5-14 can make real progress and gain valuable skills while having a great time. Learning about computers at such a young age is crucial because it helps build the vital foundations for future success. So many people who start coding at a young age have far advanced problem-solving skills in later life,” explained the Mayor.
Co-owner and dad of one, Girish, expressed his enthusiasm at the launch saying, "We had a fantastic grand opening day on Saturday. At Code Ninjas we want our ninjas to develop a real passion for coding, so it was great to see so many excited new faces. Code Ninjas is not just fun, but also very educational, which is vital after so much time spent learning at home these past few months. As a parent, we understand how hard it’s been during the pandemic to keep kids entertained. That’s why we are looking to provide a service that’s not just great for kids but is also convenient for parents and gives them some well deserved time off.”
Ninjas can attend up to two sessions a week at times that are convenient for the whole family. This means that sessions don’t have to be on the same day and time every week. Sessions include CREATE and JR options, in which ninjas will be able to work through after school and on weekends. The team will also offer coding camps over the school holidays and birthday parties on evenings and weekends.
When they could be prised away from activities at the event, one little ninja said: “My favourite thing about the games in Code Ninjas is that you can learn various things such as the X & Y coordinates in the 'Hungry Hungry Ninja' and 'Laser Chase' games. I really like these games and am excited to learn how to make them.”
On bringing their child along to the free open-day, one parent said, “Code Ninjas is a concept that I have never seen in Milton Keynes before. My son is not really into sports, so it’s given him an alternative to the more traditional after-school clubs out there. Code Ninjas is a perfect after-school activity for him as he loves computers.” Another parent acknowledged the importance of getting kids into technology early saying, “Code Ninjas is very important for children as technology is all around us. Programming is a key part of our lives and learning those skills will be essential in the future job market.”
The centre is also helping the community in terms of youth employment, having already taken on a centre director and several new Code SenseisTM to ensure that the ninjas get all the support and attention they need. To sign up or find out more about Code Ninjas, Visit: https://www.codeninjas.co.uk/miltonkeynes-bkm-uk
Editor’s notes- For more information, or to speak with Girish Betadpur and Divya Betadpur contact Jacob Turner at Rev PR on 07730 727475 or email Jacob@revpr.co.uk
Images available – various hi-res photos taken during the grand opening event.