Education is one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives, and I have always been passionate about providing young learners with opportunities to explore technology. My journey with STEMUp‘s CoderDojo and CodeClub programs has been a fulfilling experience, allowing me to contribute to the growth of coding education in my community.
Motivation
I am an engineering graduate by choice, Alhamdulillah. I was fond of tech-related stuff from childhood, which led me to explore STEM, pursue an engineering education, and eventually build a career in the field. However, I always felt the absence of opportunities and guidance in my early years—support that could have helped me become even better at what I do today. Coming from an underprivileged community, I didn’t have the luxury of mentorship or structured learning resources.
So, when I heard about STEMUp Sri Lanka and the tremendous work they were doing to bridge this gap, I knew I had to step in and contribute.
How It All Started
STEMUp had been working with Synopsys engineers on various volunteering programs in different locations. I was introduced to the initiative by Nishantha Jayasena from Synopsys and participated in a few meetings with them. However, at that time, I wasn’t able to get involved in any programs, as I was not based in Colombo.
Time went by.
One day, I came across a post about STEMUp initiating CoderDojo and CodeClub sessions at the Batticaloa Public Library. Excited by this development, I shared the news with my friend Brother Ramees Abdus Salam Naleemi. Though not from a STEM background, he is deeply passionate about education and social activism. He immediately suggested that we start a similar initiative at the Eravur Public Library.
Determined to make it happen, I reached out to the person who had shared the post—Suhail Jamaldeen, a friend of mine. He connected me with Prabahth, the founder of STEMUp Sri Lanka. After discussing our shared vision, we agreed to bring CoderDojo to Eravur. I also brought my friend Nazeem, a software engineer at LSEG and a socially conscious individual, into the initiative. Ramees took charge of coordinating with the Urban Council and the Public Library to secure the necessary permissions and support.
With everything falling into place, we launched the program. Nazeem and I conducted the initial sessions alongside other like-minded volunteers who remain dedicated to this day. I should thank Library staffs and UC secretary in this matter.
Initiating CoderDojo in Eravur
When I first learned about CoderDojo, I saw its potential to introduce students to programming and computational thinking in an engaging way. Recognizing the need for such an initiative in my community, I reached out to relevant stakeholders at STEMUp and the Eravur Public Library. Together, we worked to initiate CoderDojo sessions, ensuring that students had access to free, high-quality coding education.
From the very beginning, my focus was on building a strong volunteer team that could sustain and grow the program. I dedicated time to structuring each session, making sure they were conducted on time and aligned with the syllabus. More importantly, I strived to create an engaging and inspiring learning environment where students could see the real-world applications of coding and develop a passion for technology.
Expanding to Batticaloa Library
As the Eravur sessions gained momentum, STEMUp approached me with an opportunity to extend the program to the Batticaloa Library. Understanding the impact that CoderDojo had already made in Eravur, I was eager to bring the same experience to students in Batticaloa.
Taking over the sessions at Batticaloa Library came with its own challenges, but I worked closely with volunteers and the library staff to ensure a smooth launch. Through collaborative efforts, we were able to establish a structured learning path, ensuring that students received consistent and meaningful coding education. Today, the program continues to run successfully, empowering more young learners with the skills they need for the future. Thanks to Arshad who has been a key member in this initiative and a great driving force in continuing programs at Batticaloa Library.
The Impact and Looking Ahead
My involvement with STEMUp’s CoderDojo and CodeClub programs has been an incredibly rewarding journey. Seeing students develop problem-solving skills, creativity, and confidence through coding is truly inspiring. The initiative has not only benefited the students but has also fostered a strong community of volunteers dedicated to making a difference.
As we move forward, I hope to continue expanding these programs, reaching more students, and strengthening the volunteer network. Coding education is a gateway to endless possibilities, and I am committed to ensuring that every child in our community has access to it.
If you are interested in volunteering or supporting this initiative, I encourage you to get involved. Together, we can shape a future where every child has the opportunity to learn, create, and innovate.
Recognitions
I was awarded the Impact Award at the Volunteer Summit & Awards 2025 at the National Library Auditorium, Colombo 07.
Links:
Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the event due to certain circumstances. Here is an image of my award:
