Libraries embrace digital education: "Having a CODE Kids club is truly extraordinary"
Children in the Republic of Moldova have the opportunity to explore modern technologies right in their libraries. Robotics and programming clubs operate in 34 locations across the country, where young people passionate about science and technology can learn to build robots and develop IT projects. The activities, offered free of charge through the CODE Kids program, help them enhance their creativity, critical thinking, and digital skills.
At the “Ion Creangă” National Children’s Library in Chisinau, robotics workshops attract students between the ages of 10 and 14. The institution’s director, Eugenia Bejan, mentioned in an interview with Radio Moldova that this type of activity is an essential educational opportunity.
“For children who cannot afford to attend paid classes, it is a chance, it is a very important opportunity. The librarian is assisted by experts, by those trainers that the “Progres” Foundation provides, so they are specialists in the field,” explains Eugenia Bejan.
She emphasizes that the project is accessible and efficient, because “the project provides the trainers and it is very advantageous, and the children like it because there are different tasks every time.” Eugenia Bejan adds that such a club transforms the library into a modern and attractive space.
"Having a CODE Kids club is something extraordinary. It is necessary to have equipment in libraries and it is important to have the support of local public authorities, so that the library is equipped, modern".
Among the passionate participants is Delia Elena Zelenco, a 14-year-old student from Băcioi commune, Chișinău municipality. She came to the club to learn how robots work and to transform her passion into a future profession.
"When I was little, I was very impressed by robotics. I have this love in my heart. I came here to discover more", says Delia.
Together with her team, the student developed a project aimed at protecting books in libraries in case of floods: "We thought of a function that would tell us when the humidity is, what the temperature is, to save the books. We somehow double the life of the books".
The CODE Kids project, initiated by a Romanian foundation, promotes digital literacy among children in rural and urban areas. Since its launch, over 12,000 children from the Republic of Moldova and Romania have learned programming, science and engineering through interactive and creative activities.
