2023: A remarkable year for EU Code Week
Publication date: February 2, 2024
As we look at some of the statistics from EU Code Week 2023, the numbers speak volumes about the incredible impact and growth that the initiative has achieved. With a total of 71,655 EU Code Week events registered in 2023, the enthusiasm for coding education is reaching new heights across Europe. Let’s delve into the key highlights and takeaways from this year’s edition.
Let’s begin by taking a look at how the EU Code Week events registered in 2023 break down by country. In absolute numbers, Turkey, Italy, and Poland led the way with 23,835, 15,247, and 9,704 events, respectively. However, when considering the number of events per million population, Malta emerged as the front-runner with an impressive 1,403 events per million population. Greece and Turkey followed closely, with 456 and 283 events per million people respectively.
Playful coding takes centre stage
In terms of event themes, playful coding activities stole the spotlight with an impressive 31,252 events. For instance, basic programming concepts and unplugged activities also garnered significant attention, with 19,804 and 17,898 events respectively. Also, the diversity of themes, including block programming, art and creativity, motivation and awareness raising, and robotics, highlights the versatility of coding education across Europe.
Notably, the primary audience for EU Code Week events in 2023 was elementary school pupils, constituting 48% of participants. Pre-school children and high school students followed closely, making up 20% and 15% of the audience, respectively. This focus on engaging the younger generation emphasises the long-term impact of coding education on building essential skills from an early age.
Over 3 million participants, and a big component are women!
In total, over 3 million participants took part in EU Code Week activities in 2023, an impressive number by any standard. Notably, 50.24% of participants were women, underlining Code Week’s commitment to fostering gender equality and inclusivity in the coding community.
Moreover, the majority of events in 2023 were open in-person gatherings (72%), while in-person events by invitation and open online events constituted 18% and 2% respectively. The adaptability of event formats caters to diverse preferences and circumstances, fostering a more inclusive learning environment.
Data on the publication of events on the EU Code Week website shows that, after a slight surge at the start of the year, the publication of events remained at a consistently low level throughout the year, only to spike significantly in October, coinciding with the main event. Hence, the goal for the upcoming year is to see a steady publication of events throughout the year – so remember to register your events early.
Some EU Code Week highlights from 2023
The year 2023 saw several EU Code Week milestones. For example, in January EU Code Week was included as a good practice in the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal 4 Knowledge Hub. For example, the Hub is an online resource centre for news and commentary on the implementation of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The EU Code Week Community held its first meeting after the COVID-19 pandemic on 16-17 March 2023, in Brussels, Belgium. And, at the meeting, more than 50 members of the Code Week community, including Ambassadors, Leading Teachers, and Edu Coordinators, reflected on priority actions for Code Week 2023.
In May, the European Commission announced its commitment to support Code Week through an ‘Advanced Digital Skills‘ Call for Proposals launched as part of the Digital Europe programme. This is excellent news for the future of Code Week, as more resources will be directed towards scaling up the initiative to enhance its potential for boosting digital skills and literacy across Europe.
The EU Code Week Community came together for a momentous face-to-face meeting in Brussels on 31 August – September 1, 2023. This gathering marked a significant opportunity for the Code Week Community to reflect on their achievements, strategize for the future, and strengthen their collaborative efforts.
Then, the grand kick-off event for EU Code Week 2023 took place on 9 October 2023, at which participants were inspired by a line-up of visionary speakers, including EU officials, policy-makers, and experts who shared their insights into the importance of coding.
Looking forward to 2024
EU Code Week 2023 has set new benchmarks for participation, diversity, and inclusivity. The dedication of organisers and participants across Europe has propelled coding education to new heights, laying the foundation for a future where digital literacy is accessible to all. As we celebrate the successes of the past year, let’s look forward to even greater achievements in 2024. Remember – keep coding and keep inspiring the next generation!
