Empowering young minds: EU Code Week celebrates World Children’s Day

Publication date: November 20, 2023

World Children’s Day, celebrated on 20 November each year, is a remarkable occasion that serves to promote international togetherness, raise awareness of children’s rights, and improve children’s welfare worldwide. It’s a day when we reflect on the progress made in ensuring  children’s rightsare valued, seen and heard, as well as the work that lies ahead. EU Code Week proudly supports the goals of World Children’s Day by empowering young minds through coding education and digital literacy. In this blog post, we explore how coding and programming are key competencies that can benefit children and how EU Code Week is making a difference.

World Children’s Day holds a special place in the hearts of millions around the world. It was first established in 1954 as Universal Children’s Day and is celebrated to commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child by the UN General Assembly on 20 November 1959. This date also marks the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child by the UN General Assembly in 1989. Since 1990, it has become an annual event that not only reminds us of the importance of children’s rights but also encourages us to take action.

Empowering young minds

Coding and programming are essential competencies in our increasingly digital world. They empower young minds to think critically, solve problems, and express creativity. EU Code Week is committed to supporting young people in their coding journey by providing a variety of free resources and activities. EU Code Week also promotes diversity and inclusion giving the opportunity to every child to take part in the coding activities with or without digital equipment. Here are some of the resources available on the EU Code Week website:

• Challenges: EU Code Week offers various coding challenges that engage children in the exciting world of coding. These challenges are designed to be both fun and educational, making learning an enjoyable experience for children of all ages.
• Podcasts on various topics, including one on Digital Child Rights with social entrepreneur Peter Joziasse, who discusses the importance of giving children opportunities in the digital world, amplifying their voices, and protecting and empowering children in the digital age.
• Learning resources: EU Code Week’s website is a treasure trove of learning resources for coding and programming. These resources are categorised by type, skill level, programming language, category, and language, making it easy for children and educators to find the perfect resource for their needs.
• Coding@Home – is a collection of short videos, do-it-yourself materials, puzzles, games, and coding challenges that can be used at home or in school. The activities stimulate computational thinking and help develop essential skills in children, parents, and teachers.

UNICEF’s Schools Engagement Kit

UNICEF has also published a Schools Engagement Kit for teachers, offering ideas for schools to contribute to raising awareness, advocating, and engaging students and teachers in realising child rights. This kit aligns perfectly with the 2023 World Children’s Day theme: “For every child, every right.”

This World Children’s Day, children and young people are using their voices to address issues such as climate change, education, mental health, racism, and discrimination. They are calling on adults to help create a better future. On 20 November, kids worldwide will be speaking out and reimagining a brighter tomorrow. So, what will you do this World Children’s Day? Explore the resources offered by EU Code Week, listen to the voices of children and young people, and take part in making a difference in the lives of the youngest members of our global community. Together, we can build a better world where  children’s rights are respected and protected.