WEARSIDE MATTERS
Coding club returns for second time
0Gravity, a club which was set up to inspire the city’s young children to get into coding, is returning for a second time after a successful launch earlier this year.
The club was formed by global software solutions company, Saggezza, based at the Sunderland Software Centre, in a bid to raise awareness of the exciting career opportunities available to young people in tech.
Aimed at 8 to 11 year olds, the first session will be held on 1 October and will will provide youngsters the opportunity to build and expand the popular game Minecraft, by using java and a system and course called Code Kingdoms.
The idea for the group came from a similar collective set up in India by 14-year old Krish Samtani, which was designed to give underprivileged young people the chance to gain new skills.
Martin Williams, Saggezza’s UK managing director, said: “0Gravity was a huge hit when we brought it to Sun- derland for the first time earlier this year, so we’re deple lighted to be bringing it back for a second term. “Minecraft has a huge following among young peo- of all ages which means it provides the perfect basis for a coding club – helping people learn about software in a fun and engaging way.
“We’ve already had a number of enquiries and we’re hoping to have around a dozen young people coming along to try their hand at coding this year.”
While there is a fun side to the club, there is also a serious purpose. The club is something that Saggezza believes will help encourage the next generation of young software professionals.
Martin said: “We have enjoyed significant growth since opening our office in Sunderland in 2014, but it’s important that we keep one eye on the sustainability of our skills base.
“Projects like this will ensure that we inspire and excite people about the opportunities within the sector and region for years to come.”
Saggezza, which has a growing team in Sunderland, as well as having offices in the US and India has been working with Sunderland Software City, which was set up to support the growth of the region’s software sector, to create the club. It works with clients to better connect their systems, improving the flow of data and effectively growing the business.
Robert Currie, digital skills and technology specialist at Sunderland Software City, said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming 0Gravity back to Sunderland.
“The project presents an exciting opportunity for local children to be inspired, and to find out more about the kind of roles they might aspire to in the future.
“All the young people who took part in the programme last year left feeling inspired and we hope that Saggezza enjoys similar success with this cohort.”
The sessions will run on a Monday night, 4-5:30pm, from October 1 until November 26.
To find out more and to sign up, visit https://bit. ly/2nqBqKI