Investing in tomorrow: UCP and TASSE Project promote Logic and Playful Programming Course for children

Between 25th and 27th March, the Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP), in collaboration with the TASSE Project of the Santa Rafaela Maria Foundation, organised a Logic and Playful Programming Course for children between the ages of 10 and 12.

This initiative, which was supported by Happy Code, aimed to give children a fun and educational introduction to the world of technology and programming. "I enjoyed the Happy Code Bootcamp because I made new friends and learnt new things!" says Óscar Santos, an 11-year-old participant.

The 12-hour course was led by Rosário Lucas and Cristina Neto de Carvalho, professors at UCP, with the support of eight students from CATÓLICA-LISBON, in partnership with UCP's Social Responsibility Office.

During the four sessions, fundamental topics such as Technological Education, Digital Citizenship and Cybersecurity were covered, and participants were able to create simple games and mobile phone applications, encouraging them to take an interest in these technological areas and become digital citizens.

A project only possible due to the dedication of the teachers and volunteers involved in the project. "(...) it is truly inspiring and in it we see the reflection of commitment to a greater cause. Their generosity and commitment show that sharing knowledge is a powerful tool for change and that education gives rise to hope for a better world!" reflects Rita Paiva e Pona, Advisor to the Rector and Coordinator of the Social Responsibility Office.

Teresa Ramos, from the TASSE-E9g Project, shared the importance of this course for young people: "We believe that the more familiar they are with this language, the greater their chances of integrating into the increasingly technological world of work.". The association's representative also emphasised the interaction between the UCP students and the children from the TASSE Project, demonstrating how the initiative has created bonds between the communities.

The development of this activity, in the TASSE Project space at Quinta da Fonte da Prata, aims to reinforce the scope of UCP's mission in the community, in the context of its social responsibility and its active role in promoting education and digital inclusion. "Through this initiative, we not only provide opportunities, but also create bonds that unite communities", emphasises Rita Paiva e Pona.

It should be noted that this is the first year that the workshops have taken place in person and in partnership with Happy Code, run by UCP alumnus Pedro Teixeira, in a very close environment. Rita Paiva e Pona recalled that "the digital literacy workshops have been taking place in the TASSE Project since 2021, when the Portuguese Catholic University joined this consortium, in partnership with the Santa Rafaela Maria Foundation, with the first two editions taking place online, with volunteers from CATÓLICA-LISBON".

UCP, with the support of partners such as Happy Code - a technology and programming school, and the dedicated commitment of its teachers and students, continues to make a difference to children's lives.