Kids with an interest in the digital space are building real-world skills through free workshops offered by the Bundaberg Library.
The Digital Skills Youth Lab aims to turn digital literacy into digital fluency in a healthy, guided environment with weekly sessions offered for children aged between 9 and 14.
Through hands-on learning in coding, digital arts, music production and peer mentorship, the sessions create a toolkit for creative expression, problem solving and future employment.
Sven O’Brien has been bringing his son Isaac to take part in the sessions and said they helped to turn his interest in screens into something healthy and productive.
“I was coming to the library regularly anyway because we love this place and one of Isaac’s main strengths is reading and computing,” Sven said.
“I was hoping to find something for kids at a young age to teach them coding in a game-like way and they’ve nailed it, they’re doing gaming and coding and combining them.”
Sven said it had been beneficial for Isaac to learn about the coding behind the gaming he enjoys and to encourage him to be a creator and not just a consumer of digital content.
“My son really looks forward to it and I’m seeing his interest in the coding side of things grow,” Sven said.
“Understanding the how and why a game comes into making and that you’re playing it.
“The connection with the [library staff] leading the program… the way they’ve been able to reach the kids and the other parents on the same wavelength and the resources they’ve got is fantastic.
“Great people, great program, great resources!”
Isaac agreed saying he has enjoyed being part of the weekly sessions.
“I like the coding because I want to make my own games,” he said.
“It’s fun you get to meet other people and play together and code together.”
