The ninja takeover: Uxbridge’s first kids coding Dojo opens its doors
Code Ninjas, a kids coding studio, has opened its doors in Uxbridge. Fellow fathers and pharmacists Taizun ‘Taz’ Hassanali and Haroon Latif were struggling to find suitable activity centres to feed their children’s interests in gaming. The solution to the problem? Opening their own coding studio that teaches kids coding and game-building skills in an exciting, welcoming and non-pressured setting. With a focus on improving children’s self-efficacy in a fun and engaging way, the fathers aim to create a relaxed environment in which kids can learn without judgement.
Haroon, who opened the doors of his new business this month, comes from a science and business background. “Growing up, I saw the massive advantage coding and critical thinking skills bring to the workplace,” he recalls. “To excel in any kind of STEM career, you will need these skills. But our aim is not to pressure the kids, instead giving them a space where they can learn safely and collaboratively, their parents knowing their child is gaining the skills they need to succeed in later life.”
“Whilst I’m not a computer whizz, I definitely see the benefits of having such specialised skills and share the core aims of setting up Code Ninja’s newest location,” explains Taz. “I prefer to take a back seat in the technology world and instead want to focus on encouraging kids who may be excelling academically but not socially. I want to provide them with a fun and engaging environment where they feel they can enjoy themselves freely and explore their love of gaming. The trustworthy name and evident success of Code Ninjas give me the tools and confidence to do this.”
Code Ninjas, founded in the United States in 2016, has made its name in the UK over the last few years. Part of the coding provider’s popularity comes from their way of doing things differently. The children are the Ninjas, teachers are called SenseisTM and the space in which the kids work through the curriculum is called the Dojo. Throughout the training programme, Ninjas work towards achieving different coloured wristbands – known as ‘belts’ – based on the colour system in martial arts.
The new Uxbridge location will be managed by Mohammed Nadi, a computer science graduate from Brunel University. His goal is to be very involved in the role, making sure he is there every day when the kids come in to welcome them with a friendly smile.
Reflecting on his decision to join Taz and Haroon in their mission, he recalls thinking back to his childhood. “I thought to myself: ‘How cool would it have been if we had something like this around when I was a kid?’” He wanted to jump straight in to help these kids learn how to programme, a skill he has found a passion for only as an adult. “I’m looking forward to seeing the kids learning and being happy, creating their own games and sharing them with their friends. I’m very excited for the grand opening too!”
Now that the new studio is up and running, Taz and Haroon are on the hunt for tech and STEM-loving individuals living locally to join their team.
“Having seen for myself just how valuable digital literacy is in the workplace, I’m keen to equip future STEM specialists and coders with valuable, on the job experience by employing young, eager talent to deliver our programme. Teaching children how to code is a great foundation for a future career and something both Haroon and I strongly believe in,” added Taz.
To book a free trial session for your child or to enquire about attending the Grand Opening event, visit https://www.codeninjas.co.uk/uxbridge-ldn-uk