Kainos CodeCamp finishes with a Flourish
Date posted
11 August 2014
Reading time
6 Minutes
Kainos CodeCamp finishes with a Flourish
[caption id="attachment_9084" align=" width="1024"]
Kainos CTO Tom Gray, Winning CodeCamper Adam Toner, Deputy Lord Mayor Cllr Maire Hendron,and Head of School, Computing and Technology at Belfast Met, Dr Jonathan Heggarty[/caption]
Digital solutions company Kainos, in partnership with Belfast Metropolitan College (Belfast Met) and Belfast City Council, have once again delighted pupils and parents by running a second successful CodeCamp. The hugely popular event took place from 28 July to 8 August, and was attended by 76 youngsters from all over Northern Ireland. Pictured is winner Adam Toner with his 'Best App', Tool Box.
Open to years 11-14, Kainos CodeCamp is designed to introduce children to the world of computer programming. Over a two-week period, computer professionals and designers from Kainos and Belfast Met provide training to the children in a highly interactive and stimulating environment. Participants not only learn coding techniques, but also get to develop their own apps. The event is one of several Kainos initiatives designed to encourage young talent into the digital industry.
In total, 76 students from Belfast, Newry, Dungannon, Carnlough and Downpatrick attended the camp this year, which once again was held at Belfast Met's state-of-the-art e3 campus on the Springfield Road. The aim behind this year's scheme was to increase interest and participation of young people in Android app development.
Dr Jonathan Heggarty, Head of School Electronic and Computing Technologies at Belfast Met said: 'This camp is a fantastic way for many young people to gain an understanding of app development and what it feels like to work in a professional environment.
'As head of school for electronic and computing technologies, it is heartening to see so many young people sacrifice two weeks of their summer holidays to develop their knowledge of software. There is no doubt that digital technology is the future, and in Northern Ireland we have to make sure our next generation of business men and women are up-to-date with the latest developments. We are very proud of our e3 campus and we're delighted to be able to host this scheme.'
The last day of the camp featured a presentation and awards ceremony to mark the participants' contribution over the two weeks. Prizes included Kindle Tablets and Fitness Tracker bracelets and were awarded for Best App, Best Idea, Most Improved and Best Group. Amongst those distributing the prizes were Dr Jonathan Heggarty, Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast, Cllr Marie Hendron, and Tom Gray, CTO, Kainos.
Commenting on the event, Tom Gray said: 'I'm delighted that Kainos leads this inititative year after year and gets to play a part in nurturing the next generation of digital talent. Each time we run one of our CodeCamp or AppCamp events, we continue to be delighted at the level of talent and innovation that shines through this year was no different!'
The Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Marie Hendron, commented: 'I would like to congratulate Kainos on the success of this year's CodeCamp, all the young people for their enthusiasm and endeavour over the past ten days and our partners at Belfast Met for facilitating this exciting event.
'For the past decade, the council has played a key role in supporting the development of the creative industries in Belfast, and one of our main focuses has been on the development of digital media and technology. By involving our young people in programmes such as CodeCamp, we are ensuring the continuing development of our city, our people and our knowledge economy.'
Kainos CTO Tom Gray, Winning CodeCamper Adam Toner, Deputy Lord Mayor Cllr Maire Hendron,and Head of School, Computing and Technology at Belfast Met, Dr Jonathan Heggarty[/caption]
Digital solutions company Kainos, in partnership with Belfast Metropolitan College (Belfast Met) and Belfast City Council, have once again delighted pupils and parents by running a second successful CodeCamp. The hugely popular event took place from 28 July to 8 August, and was attended by 76 youngsters from all over Northern Ireland. Pictured is winner Adam Toner with his 'Best App', Tool Box.
Open to years 11-14, Kainos CodeCamp is designed to introduce children to the world of computer programming. Over a two-week period, computer professionals and designers from Kainos and Belfast Met provide training to the children in a highly interactive and stimulating environment. Participants not only learn coding techniques, but also get to develop their own apps. The event is one of several Kainos initiatives designed to encourage young talent into the digital industry.
In total, 76 students from Belfast, Newry, Dungannon, Carnlough and Downpatrick attended the camp this year, which once again was held at Belfast Met's state-of-the-art e3 campus on the Springfield Road. The aim behind this year's scheme was to increase interest and participation of young people in Android app development.
Dr Jonathan Heggarty, Head of School Electronic and Computing Technologies at Belfast Met said: 'This camp is a fantastic way for many young people to gain an understanding of app development and what it feels like to work in a professional environment.
'As head of school for electronic and computing technologies, it is heartening to see so many young people sacrifice two weeks of their summer holidays to develop their knowledge of software. There is no doubt that digital technology is the future, and in Northern Ireland we have to make sure our next generation of business men and women are up-to-date with the latest developments. We are very proud of our e3 campus and we're delighted to be able to host this scheme.'
The last day of the camp featured a presentation and awards ceremony to mark the participants' contribution over the two weeks. Prizes included Kindle Tablets and Fitness Tracker bracelets and were awarded for Best App, Best Idea, Most Improved and Best Group. Amongst those distributing the prizes were Dr Jonathan Heggarty, Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast, Cllr Marie Hendron, and Tom Gray, CTO, Kainos.
Commenting on the event, Tom Gray said: 'I'm delighted that Kainos leads this inititative year after year and gets to play a part in nurturing the next generation of digital talent. Each time we run one of our CodeCamp or AppCamp events, we continue to be delighted at the level of talent and innovation that shines through this year was no different!'
The Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Marie Hendron, commented: 'I would like to congratulate Kainos on the success of this year's CodeCamp, all the young people for their enthusiasm and endeavour over the past ten days and our partners at Belfast Met for facilitating this exciting event.
'For the past decade, the council has played a key role in supporting the development of the creative industries in Belfast, and one of our main focuses has been on the development of digital media and technology. By involving our young people in programmes such as CodeCamp, we are ensuring the continuing development of our city, our people and our knowledge economy.'