- Kaye North - - Community and Engagement Manager, Code Club Australia
Ahead of National Volunteering Week next week we’re recognising the incredible effort of so many people across Australia, who are keeping Code Clubs everywhere up and running.
In the heart of Australia, for over 10 years Telstra Foundation’s support of Code Club Australia has sparked a wave of volunteering activity, transforming the lives of young people across the nation.
Homeschool Hotline Code Club is an incredible example, a unique initiative designed to support a nationwide homeschooling group, with a special focus on regional and rural families, who typically lack access to in-person code clubs.
Homeschool Hotline Code Club: a year of impact
Running for nearly 12 months, the Homeschool Hotline Code Club has made a significant impact on the lives of young Australians. This club has become a favorite among homeschool students, many of whom have progressed from coding Scratch to Python, thanks to the regular online workshops that are bringing connection, creativity, and capability. The club’s success is largely due to its dedicated volunteers.
Meet the Homeschool Hotline Code Club Volunteers
Mathieson: A youth volunteer who exemplifies leadership and has a great rapport with the young people. As a peer mentor, Mathieson shares his coding skills in a fun and engaging way, using his volunteer hours to work towards his Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Sonny: Known for his ability to share knowledge and skills, especially with younger coders. Sonny’s peer mentoring ensures the club runs smoothly, and his favorite project, “Silly Eyes,” has been a hit with everyone.
Oscar: Initially a learner, Oscar quickly demonstrated leadership and skill, eventually leading beginner Scratch lessons as a peer mentor. His enthusiasm has helped the club expand and reach more students.
Felicity: A parent volunteer who supervises online sessions, ensuring safety and inclusion. Felicity supports not only her son but also the students, peer mentors, and facilitators, making her an invaluable part of the club.
Celebrating our heroes
Our incredible Code Club Australia volunteers across Australia dedicate their time and energy to creating fun, safe spaces for young people to learn and play with coding. This year, clubs nominated volunteers who go the extra mile in ‘Connecting Communities,’ sharing their inspiring stories and highlighting why they are such valued members of their clubs.
GET INVOLVED
Want to be part of this volunteering movement and join over 1,400 teachers, librarians and volunteers running clubs across Australia, teaching the next generation how to code? You don’t have to be an expert Code Club Australia has all the resources you need to get going. Register your interest here
Meet more of Code Club Australia’s inspiring volunteers
Philip: A volunteer at Vincentia Code Club for nine years, Philip brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm. His work as an embedded engineer and love for physical computing have inspired many students, contributing to their success in Moonhack challenges.
Stacey: A volunteer at Coolie Code Club for over six years, Stacey brings excitement and expertise to her sessions. She promotes a growth mindset and ensures that every student has fun while learning new skills.
Shaun: A mentor at St Columba Coders for over ten years, Shaun supports students in pursuing careers in Software and Mechatronic Engineering. His depth of knowledge and passion for robotics and Moonhack challenges make him a beloved figure at the club.
Vander: A youth volunteer at Bunbury Libraries’ STEAM Code Club, Vander has been a valuable help to staff and participants. His enthusiasm for coding, robotics, and Eddison car racing makes him a favorite among young learners.
Sacha: The lead facilitator at Palmerston Library Code Club, Sacha has been volunteering for over five years. She inspires kids with her Scratch storytelling projects and advocacy for women in tech, encouraging all skill levels to participate and grow.
Zeke: A youth volunteer at Palmerston Library Code Club, Zeke’s journey from student to volunteer is a true success story. His empathy and reliability make him an effective mentor, building community and confidence among young coders.
About Code Club Australia
Telstra Foundation powers Code Club Australia (CCA) to support free volunteer-led code clubs in schools and libraries, and give teachers access to fun learning resources to teach coding basics and build skills. CCA empowers volunteers and educators to inspire the next generation of innovators and thinkers in fun, creative and collaborative environments.
Code clubs have been created in schools, libraries, social organisations and parent groups. It’s open to anyone to set one up. While CCA releases new coding projects year-round, Moonhack is our annual event designed, developed and run by CCA and the Telstra Foundation. It’s unique in STEAM education in connecting children and clubs worldwide to participate in coding together.
