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Derby Entrepreneur Returns To ‘Grass Roots’ With 'After School' IT Project

An Ashbourne based IT entrepreneur is inspiring the next generation of computer programmers by giving up his own time to support a project known as Code Club.

Sean Price (27), director of Derby based iBox Security, approached Code Club, a nationwide network of volunteer led after school coding clubs, for children aged 9-11, with the aim of starting his own free club in Derby.

Fuelled by a passion for getting kids off the streets, and equipping them the invaluable skills needed for a career in IT, Sean made contact with Derby City Council and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Network), to set up free Saturday morning sessions for children at Derby Central Library, and the classes have proven to be so successful, that there is now a waiting list to attend.

Sean said: “When I first heard about Code Club, I instantly wanted to be involved. My father taught me how to programme when I was just five years old, and I now run a very successful ecommerce, and software development business in Derby. Without that early tuition, I may not be where I am today.

“Computer programming skills are becoming more and more prevalent in the industry, and I believe that it is vital to pass this knowledge on. At the ages of 9-11, children are impressionable, and it is important to get them off the streets and doing something productive.”

The hour-long free sessions take place between 10.30-11.30am, and teach children fundamental programming elements. Each week, the students are set the task of creating a game, animation, or puzzle, that is then built using a piece of software known as Scratch.

Sean continued: “One thing that has struck me is that there is a severe lack of volunteers coming forward to support this initiative from STEM. Volunteers are only required to give up one hour a week, and it is an extremely rewarding experience for all involved.

“At iBox Security, we firmly believe in giving something back to the community, and that is why I have also just signed up to mentor a GCSE student for a year.”

For more information, please visit www.ibox-security.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Poppy-PR .