Successful completion: How the free CoderDojo programming school inspired 200 young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina

17.08.2023.

In a world shaped by pervasive technology and rapid digital development, education in programming and technology has become essential to empowering future generations. Guided by this vision, Bit Alliance organized a free CoderDojo programming school in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This initiative not only enriched the knowledge of 200 primary and high school students but also connected young talents with university students as mentors, leaving a lasting mark on the country’s path toward a digital future.

Bit Alliance, recognized as a strong advocate for technological development and innovation, identified the need for accessible and inspiring programming education. The result of this vision was CoderDojo – a platform that enabled young people to gain valuable coding experience with the support of students from various faculties.

One of the key features of this program was its interactive approach. Instead of traditional textbook learning, participants were engaged in hands-on workshops, challenges, and projects that allowed them to create and apply their skills in real-world settings. Student instructors not only shared their knowledge but also encouraged creativity and curiosity, motivating future programmers to think outside the box. Students also emphasized that participants were highly motivated and dedicated to the summer school. “This was a wonderful experience in which I learned a lot and truly enjoyed myself. I must praise the students who listened attentively and showed a great desire to learn and ask questions,” said Tajra Selimović, a student at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Sarajevo, and instructor at the CoderDojo summer school.

Another student instructor, Faruk Zahiragić from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Sarajevo, shared his thoughts: “Being a mentor at the CoderDojo programming school was both a fun and challenging experience. I got a real feel for what it means to be an instructor and share knowledge with others, helping spread programming expertise. I strongly recommend it to anyone looking for a new challenge and a chance to broaden their horizons.”

“It is always both an honor and a responsibility when you have the opportunity to shape young minds and guide our future potentials. I would first like to thank Bit Alliance for the opportunity to be part of this project. I hope my colleagues and I fulfilled our task in the best possible way, and I believe the greatest proof of our success is the knowledge the students gained from our classes. It was truly wonderful to be a link in the chain of knowledge — passing on what we learned from our professors, and perhaps some of these young people will stand where we are today in just a few years,” said Nejra Aličković, a student at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Sarajevo, and instructor at this year’s CoderDojo school.

Students in Travnik also expressed enthusiasm, witnessing how young talents grew, recognized opportunities, and bravely tackled programming challenges while building lasting bonds of support and inspiration. “The exciting and inspiring atmosphere of the CoderDojo school resonates with all participants, offering them a unique opportunity to explore the fantastic world of programming. We witness the excitement of children discovering the basics of coding and computing technologies, developing their skills through creative projects. CoderDojo is not only a school but a community of passionate mentors building bridges toward the digital future of youth,” stated instructor Rijad Maglić, a student at the Faculty of Information Technologies, University ‘Vitez’ in Travnik.

This initiative by Bit Alliance opened doors to new educational opportunities in BiH, demonstrating how collaboration between companies, universities, and youth can create meaningful societal change. “In recent weeks, we have witnessed the engagement and effort of all CoderDojo school participants. We saw how their skills developed, how they pushed the boundaries of their abilities, and how foundations were built for future success in the technology world. We extend our sincere thanks to all institutions, mentors, students, and participants who supported the CoderDojo school and helped make it an inspiration and an example of effective collaboration of knowledge, enthusiasm, and potential. This year’s CoderDojo school produced outstanding results, and we are pleased to announce our intention to continue implementing this project in the coming years at an even broader scale,” said Damir Maglajlić, Executive Director of Bit Alliance.

Bit Alliance has demonstrated that education is not only about transferring knowledge but also about building bridges between generations and creating spaces where ideas and passion turn into reality. This story is a reminder that with support, mentorship, and inspiration, young people can reach heights that will shape the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the digital era.