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The new digital kids on the block
THE next generation of computer experts are to be trained
in Liverpool's libraries as part of a new initiative funded by the Arts Council.
Liverpool City Council has secured ₤75,500 to develop code clubs for hundreds of
children and young people over the next year.
The 'Maker Difference' project at Liverpool Libraries will provide
creative learning opportunities for children and young people aged from 8 to 18
from four communities in the City Centre, north Liverpool, Speke and Toxteth.
The investment will support young people to engage with technology in innovative
ways, helping to develop their creative and digital skills. It includes online
information literacy, media literacy and digital well being and identity.
It will also encourage participation from disabled young people via on site
clubs, weekly workshops and participation in cultural events and creative
digital festivals. The sessions will be delivered by local digital entrepreneurs
who will give up their time to help inspire youngsters with an interest in
technology.
Assistant Mayor and Cabinet member for libraries, Councillor Wendy Simon, said:-
"This is a fantastic project which will help equip our children and young
people with many technological skills that they can use in everyday life and
help create tomorrow's workforce. Computers are an essential part of our
lifestyle and everything we do now involves some form of technology. Liverpool
has a burgeoning digital sector and this project can only help harness and
develop the next generation of computer programmers. This is another example of
our commitment to using our libraries to engage with local communities of all
ages in different and innovative ways. They are much more than just a place to
go and borrow books."
Sarah Maxfield, Area Director North at Arts Council England, said:- "The
Arts Council is the national development agency for libraries in England and
we're delighted to be investing over ₤1 million in libraries across the North
through our Libraries Opportunities for Everyone Innovation fund. This programme
has given us a fantastic opportunity to support new activities in libraries and
to reach people who might not normally use their local library service."
The City Council is working on the project with Wehearttech - a community
interest company committed to using technology for social good and DoES
Liverpool; a community of people with a diverse range of skills and interests
such as entrepreneurs, developers and hardware engineers.
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