Belgian teenagers ask the European Parliament for more #coding education

On October 19th 2017 ThinkYoung and Boeing, hosted by MEP Lieve Wierinck, held a panel discussion on coding “Coding in the Classroom: What the European Youth Wants.” Panellists included MEP Lieve Wierinck, Roger Gilles (EU and NATO Communications Specialist at Boeing), Annika Ostergren Pofantis (Policy Officer at the European Commission), Nele Thiemrodt (Student of the Coding Summer School 2017) and Andrea Gerosa (Founder of ThinkYoung).

The panel discussion followed the success of the Coding Summer School, an initiative by both ThinkYoung and Boeing with the aim of teaching teenagers the importance of coding in today’s tech focused world. Launched first in the summer of 2016 and recently had its second edition in the summer of 2017 with over 70 participants, the Coding Summer School has received positive feedback from both participants and their parents.

“Boeing and ThinkYoung hosted a second Coding Summer School in Brussels this July and as digital know-how plays an increasingly important role in the future job market, Boeing is committed to inspire students to gain fundamental 21st century skills through STEM-related, problem-based learning experiences. From satellites orbiting earth, to airplanes in the sky and autonomous vehicles undersea, software plays an increasingly important role in Boeing products and services. That’s why it’s crucial to encourage the next generation to explore the multi-faceted world of aviation where digital skills are essential,” says Brian Moran, Vice President of Government Affairs for Boeing Europe.

Why coding matters to youth

Technology is the fastest changing field up to date, which results in a high demand for workers equiped with STEM -Science, Technology, Engineering, Math- and ICT -Information and Communication Technology- related expertise. Yet schools and universities are not concentrating enough on teaching STEM or ICT. During the panel discussion the teenagers expressed their need in learning how to code and other STEM related skills. In addition to being pleased by the Coding Summer School and its teaching goals, the teenagers were also of opinion that learning how to code was vital for their future and that it would increase their job opportunities. “We are very happy that the European Parliament is welcoming and listening to the opinion of teenagers who attended our Coding Summer School. Young generations are eager to learn and quickly realised how STEM education is the key to their future. That is why we will double our efforts in 2018 with more scholarships for Belgian students and the launch of a new edition in Amsterdam,” says Andrea Gerosa, ThinkYoung Founder.

MEP Lieve Wierinck: “The most beautiful gift that we can give to our children and grandchildren, is to equip them with the tools to thrive in the world of tomorrow; a world that we are building today. This is a world where they will have more freedom than ever before to accomplish their dreams, provided they have the right tools. That is why I am proud to be an Ambassador of the Coding Summer School and will continue to support this initiative. I am also happy to see that every year more girls are participating in the programme. Because a better future is one with equal opportunities for all.”

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