Questions/Answers

"Coding with UKE" is an initiative that aims to prepare future generations to operate within the world built on the newly emerging technologies. Nowadays' education is full of old-schooled patterns that do not meet requirements of the rapidly evolving market. Consequently, neither children nor adults are equipped with necessary digital skills. Therefore, we have implemented this long term project - in order to rethink the way education is organized and practiced. Through multiple series of coding classes for children UKE introduces vital changes in learning strategy. "Coding with UKE" does not only widens education's horizons taking it outside of schools' walls but also prepares the youngest generation for effecetive functioning in our every day lives. Thus, education is seen as a life long learning instead of limited to schools profession or activity. During the classes UKE's qualified trainers present children with opportunities of our dynamic environment and teach them how to identify challenges, find appropriate solutions, and work together towards implementing them. Children are kindergarten of our society - their education is therefore the best investment into the future of common development. Quality of our tomorrow depends on actions taken today and that is why UKE came up with this initiative: to educate and thus to make sure that seeds sow now will bloom anytime soon.

UKE's role as public institution extends and reaches far beyond commonly set standards. Thus, the public service embraces also education which is one of UKE's priorities. "Coding with UKE" aims at delivering quality education (understood as education adapted to the current needs) to children, regardless of their knowledge, social status, or abilities. By doing so UKE includes everyone in the process of ongoing development - as kids who are trained will contribute to the entire society.

"Coding with UKE" contributes first and foremost to the realization of the SDG 4: "Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all". To be precise, it addresses the target 4.4: "By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship". Having realized that education has to be seen as life long learning strategy, UKE aims at equipping children with competencies required to function in the ever changing world. Only when adequately skilled, they (and therefore we) can benefit from the existing opportunities. Being prepared for the world and ready to adapt requires proper training and that is why "Coding with UKE" is a perfect solution. The sooner we start learning and re-learning, the better.

Education is at the core of sustainability. It is the best kind of investment that can be mobilized. When properly planned (and when seen as at UKE - being a life long learning strategy), it pays off on multiple levels - social, economic, environmental, etc.

UKE, as the public administration organ, came up with the coding initiative in order to fill the existing in Poland skills-gap. Education is not yet seen as it should be, meaning as a long life learning strategy. Schools' curricula is neither updated nor aligned with the exisiting challenges and environment of the newly emerging technologies. Thus, UKE strives to change how education is perceived and practiced. Moreover, coding classes are organized in cooperation with other public institutions so it gives an example as well as inspiration for further possible actions to take.

Indirectly, it does - by showing that everyone, regardless of gender or any other circumstances is able to acquire necessary digital skills and therefore benefit from the opportunities presented by the new technologies.

UKE addresses the coding classes to primary school children. There have been numerous classes already organized and each of the sessions resulted in satisfied teachers and inspired kids. Their enthusiasm is vital and can be transferred into real actions in the nearest future.

UKE started organizing coding classes in 2017 and since then has been increasing the number of trainings held each year. Moreover, UKE invites to cooperation many other public institutions (museums, libraries, hospitals, etc.) showing that education does not have to be limited to schools alone. There is no plan to end the classes as the results are astonishing - thousands of trained children, their enthusiasm, and willingness to be proactive and be changemakers in their environments.

UKE has not encountered any obstacles during the implementation and realization process. UKE is open for any kind of cooperation - schools or other groups willing to hold coding classes can contact the Office and schedule a training whenever convenient and possible.

"Coding with UKE" is innovative because it brings education to another level. It shows that education is not limited to schools alone and should be seen as life long learning experience. It presents different approach than the one prevalent at schools - where children often acquire knowledge that is not useful in real life.

Since the implementation and start of the initiative, UKE's inspired many other public institutions to follow its example. Consequently, UKE co-organizes the classes with numerous entities making even more out of the education experience.

There are many cases in other regions or countries of coding classes for kids. However, it is exceptional that UKE, as the NRA and the public administration organ leads an initiative of this kind.

UKE aims at giving example to other public institutions and is ready to share knowledge, expertise, and valuabe experience in terms of organizing coding classes.

One of the best things about this initiative is how less resources it requires to be put together: qualified trainers and software; space is provided by the institution that co-organizes the classes (be it UKE's premises or other institution's space - hospital, museum, etc.).

What makes it sustainable is a constant need for education - for education that would be flexible, adaptable, and up-to-date.

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By schools that UKE organized classes for - UKE received numerous letters of gratitude. The coding classes were always appreciated and welcomed in the possible future scenarios.

Qualitative indicators that cannot be quantitatively measured - like satisfaction, desire to learn more, enthusiasm.

UKE, based on successful experiences and satisfied participants of the initiative, has decided to continue the project and increase number of trained children with each consecutive year. UKE gets valuable feedback after each session from participants as well as co-organizers and that serves as a material for further improvements (if needed). As long as space and resources (trainers, software) are provided, there are no obstacles to keep the project running and enlarging its scope.

UKE gives an example of how public administration should be working and engaging with citizens. "Coding with UKE" initiative changes common perspective of a public administration organ and presents UKE as accessible and friendly towards public entity that aims at educating society. As such, UKE cooperates horizontally and vertically with multiple stakeholders in order to make sure that citizens are able to benefit from the digital opportunities presented by the today's world.

UKE is collaborating with many public institutions when realizing the initiative - be it schools, hospitals, museums, libraries, etc. Every institution is invited to take part in this project.

Education is one of the top UKE's priorities and will strive to put it into practice in the following years, trying to organize the classes on larger scale, adapting content of classes to the new trends, and making sure that children get proper and adequate education. UKE will promote education as a life long learning strategy and show that it should not be limited to schools alone.