[{"content":" Standards of Child Protection at the CoderDojo Poland Foundation # Chapter 1: General Provisions and Scope of Activity # This document defines the Standards of Child Protection (SOM - Standardy Ochrony Małoletnich) applied during short-term educational workshops organized by the CoderDojo Poland Foundation. The Foundation carries out activities aimed at developing children\u0026rsquo;s interests and does not provide childcare services before or after the classes. Parents or legal guardians are encouraged to be present during the workshops and remain fully responsible for the supervision of their children during this time. All rules contained in this document are applied with due consideration of the situation of disabled children and children with special educational needs, adapting the form of communication and support to their individual capabilities. A necessary condition for a minor to participate in the workshops is the parent\u0026rsquo;s consent to participate, including the provision of a current contact telephone number by the parent or legal guardian. Chapter 2: Rules for Safe Relationships and Staff Recruitment # Recruitment of Volunteers: Before a volunteer or mentor is allowed to conduct workshop activities, the President of the Foundation or an authorized person verifies them in the Register of Sexual Offenders and obtains a certificate of no criminal record from the National Criminal Register (KRK). Training: Before starting work with minors, each volunteer undergoes training on these standards, which they confirm with their own signature on a declaration of unconditional compliance with the rules. The register of declarations is maintained by the Foundation\u0026rsquo;s Management Board. Mentor work methodology and technical relationships: Volunteer-participant relationships are based on respect and support in self-directed learning. Mentors do not dictate ready-made solutions and do not perform tasks for participants. Their role is to guide participants, help them overcome deadlocks, point out sources of errors, and inspire them to use technology independently and creatively. Physical contact: The nature of CoderDojo workshops does not require physical contact between volunteers and minor participants. Only contact of a public, symbolic, and generally acceptable nature is allowed (e.g., a \u0026ldquo;high-five\u0026rdquo; to greet or congratulate). Any other physical contact is prohibited. Volunteers are forbidden from being left alone with a minor. All interactions take place in the open workshop space or in the presence of a parent or a second volunteer. Post-workshop communication: Volunteers are forbidden from contacting minors through private social media profiles and private direct messages (DM) in messaging apps. Any questions regarding content after the event may only be directed to public, publicly accessible text channels of the Foundation\u0026rsquo;s official Discord server (where content is visible to other moderators) or through an official email in the Foundation\u0026rsquo;s domain. Chapter 3: Safety of Peer Relationships # Minor workshop participants are treated with equal respect. Any forms of aggression, peer violence, harassment, teasing, or destruction of other people\u0026rsquo;s property by minors are prohibited. Chapter 4: Digital Safety and Protection Against Harmful Content # Workshop participants use their own electronic equipment (smartphones, tablets) and their own cellular connection (LTE, 5G), the configuration and security of which are the responsibility of their parents. If a volunteer notices that a minor is viewing harmful content (pornography, graphic violence, content encouraging self-harm) on their device during the workshops, the volunteer is obliged to immediately instruct the participant to close the application or page, and to inform the parent and the President of the Foundation about the incident. Chapter 5: Intervention Procedure in Situations of Danger # In a situation of direct threat to the life or health of a minor (e.g., sudden medical emergency, physical attack of aggression), the volunteer has the right and duty to independently and immediately call emergency services (number 112), the Police, or venue security. The volunteer shall immediately inform the President of the Foundation about the action taken. In case of suspected child abuse (including domestic violence disclosed by the child), the volunteer immediately reports the matter to the President of the Foundation or an appointed representative. If the suspicion concerns the President of the Foundation, the report is directed directly to law enforcement authorities. In situations of reasonable suspicion of child abuse (including domestic or peer violence), the President of the Foundation or an authorized representative immediately files a notification with the appropriate Police unit, the Prosecutor\u0026rsquo;s Office, or the local Family and Guardianship Court. After a child abuse incident is disclosed, the Foundation initiates a simplified minor support plan, which consists of securing their well-being for the duration of the event, isolating them from the source of danger, informing parents (unless they are the perpetrators), and providing them with written information about specialized institutions providing psychological and legal assistance to children (e.g., helplines). All reports, incidents, and requests to external bodies are registered and stored in confidential documentation by the President of the Foundation. Chapter 6: Monitoring and Updating the Standards # The document is subject to review and update in order to adapt to current regulations and operational needs at least once every two years. The full text of the standards is available on the Foundation\u0026rsquo;s website, and a shortened version for children, containing key rules of safe behavior, is posted in a visible place in the workshop space. ","date":"24 May 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/en/som/","section":"Volunteering that pays off. Become a CoderDojo Mentor.","summary":"Standards of Child Protection at the CoderDojo Poland Foundation # Chapter 1: General Provisions and Scope of Activity # This document defines the Standards of Child Protection (SOM - Standardy Ochrony Małoletnich) applied during short-term educational workshops organized by the CoderDojo Poland Foundation. The Foundation carries out activities aimed at developing children’s interests and does not provide childcare services before or after the classes. Parents or legal guardians are encouraged to be present during the workshops and remain fully responsible for the supervision of their children during this time. All rules contained in this document are applied with due consideration of the situation of disabled children and children with special educational needs, adapting the form of communication and support to their individual capabilities. A necessary condition for a minor to participate in the workshops is the parent’s consent to participate, including the provision of a current contact telephone number by the parent or legal guardian. Chapter 2: Rules for Safe Relationships and Staff Recruitment # Recruitment of Volunteers: Before a volunteer or mentor is allowed to conduct workshop activities, the President of the Foundation or an authorized person verifies them in the Register of Sexual Offenders and obtains a certificate of no criminal record from the National Criminal Register (KRK). Training: Before starting work with minors, each volunteer undergoes training on these standards, which they confirm with their own signature on a declaration of unconditional compliance with the rules. The register of declarations is maintained by the Foundation’s Management Board. Mentor work methodology and technical relationships: Volunteer-participant relationships are based on respect and support in self-directed learning. Mentors do not dictate ready-made solutions and do not perform tasks for participants. Their role is to guide participants, help them overcome deadlocks, point out sources of errors, and inspire them to use technology independently and creatively. Physical contact: The nature of CoderDojo workshops does not require physical contact between volunteers and minor participants. Only contact of a public, symbolic, and generally acceptable nature is allowed (e.g., a “high-five” to greet or congratulate). Any other physical contact is prohibited. Volunteers are forbidden from being left alone with a minor. All interactions take place in the open workshop space or in the presence of a parent or a second volunteer. Post-workshop communication: Volunteers are forbidden from contacting minors through private social media profiles and private direct messages (DM) in messaging apps. Any questions regarding content after the event may only be directed to public, publicly accessible text channels of the Foundation’s official Discord server (where content is visible to other moderators) or through an official email in the Foundation’s domain. Chapter 3: Safety of Peer Relationships # Minor workshop participants are treated with equal respect. Any forms of aggression, peer violence, harassment, teasing, or destruction of other people’s property by minors are prohibited. Chapter 4: Digital Safety and Protection Against Harmful Content # Workshop participants use their own electronic equipment (smartphones, tablets) and their own cellular connection (LTE, 5G), the configuration and security of which are the responsibility of their parents. If a volunteer notices that a minor is viewing harmful content (pornography, graphic violence, content encouraging self-harm) on their device during the workshops, the volunteer is obliged to immediately instruct the participant to close the application or page, and to inform the parent and the President of the Foundation about the incident. Chapter 5: Intervention Procedure in Situations of Danger # In a situation of direct threat to the life or health of a minor (e.g., sudden medical emergency, physical attack of aggression), the volunteer has the right and duty to independently and immediately call emergency services (number 112), the Police, or venue security. The volunteer shall immediately inform the President of the Foundation about the action taken. In case of suspected child abuse (including domestic violence disclosed by the child), the volunteer immediately reports the matter to the President of the Foundation or an appointed representative. If the suspicion concerns the President of the Foundation, the report is directed directly to law enforcement authorities. In situations of reasonable suspicion of child abuse (including domestic or peer violence), the President of the Foundation or an authorized representative immediately files a notification with the appropriate Police unit, the Prosecutor’s Office, or the local Family and Guardianship Court. After a child abuse incident is disclosed, the Foundation initiates a simplified minor support plan, which consists of securing their well-being for the duration of the event, isolating them from the source of danger, informing parents (unless they are the perpetrators), and providing them with written information about specialized institutions providing psychological and legal assistance to children (e.g., helplines). All reports, incidents, and requests to external bodies are registered and stored in confidential documentation by the President of the Foundation. Chapter 6: Monitoring and Updating the Standards # The document is subject to review and update in order to adapt to current regulations and operational needs at least once every two years. The full text of the standards is available on the Foundation’s website, and a shortened version for children, containing key rules of safe behavior, is posted in a visible place in the workshop space. ","title":"Standards of Child Protection","type":"page"},{"content":" CoderDojo is a community of people who want to share their passion for technology. We create clubs where children and youth learn programming, electronics, games, or robotics – completely free, in an atmosphere of fun and joy. No attendance lists, grades, or forced scenarios – just passion, autonomy, and the \u0026ldquo;Be Cool!\u0026rdquo; rule. We also do it for ourselves – because volunteering develops us, gives us a sense of purpose, and builds relationships. At CoderDojo, you don\u0026rsquo;t need to be an expert or a teacher. You just need to want to get involved. Take action – Become a Mentor Why is it worth it? # You do it for yourself Personal Growth Develop technical and soft skills Perfect the skill of explaining complex topics (key at work!). Gain confidence and make new connections Discover the joy of creating and sharing knowledge It gives you satisfaction Satisfaction Regain energy and motivation Feel that you're doing something meaningful Find a sense of purpose missing in the corporate world Meet people who think alike Have a real impact – locally and personally Children benefit along the way Social Impact Discover the world of new technologies Create their own projects: Scratch games, robots, Minecraft mods Develop outside of school, at their own pace Gain support and inspiration from adults What does CoderDojo look like? # For children and youth aged 7–17 Meetings every 1–2 weeks Programming, robotics, electronics Sessions led by volunteer mentors No tests, grades, or attendance lists Each Dojo is different and unique Want to get involved? # CoderDojo needs people like you. You don\u0026rsquo;t have to be a programmer or a teacher. You just need to want to do something. Contact us Get to know us better # Learn more Want to open a new Dojo? # Have an idea for a local club? Great! We\u0026rsquo;ll give you:\nReady-made scenarios and materials Support from other mentors The ability to operate in your own style Start a new Dojo CoderDojo Poland Foundation # ","date":"5 July 2025","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/en/","section":"Volunteering that pays off. Become a CoderDojo Mentor.","summary":" CoderDojo is a community of people who want to share their passion for technology. We create clubs where children and youth learn programming, electronics, games, or robotics – completely free, in an atmosphere of fun and joy. No attendance lists, grades, or forced scenarios – just passion, autonomy, and the “Be Cool!” rule. We also do it for ourselves – because volunteering develops us, gives us a sense of purpose, and builds relationships. At CoderDojo, you don’t need to be an expert or a teacher. You just need to want to get involved. Take action – Become a Mentor Why is it worth it? # You do it for yourself Personal Growth Develop technical and soft skills Perfect the skill of explaining complex topics (key at work!). Gain confidence and make new connections Discover the joy of creating and sharing knowledge It gives you satisfaction Satisfaction Regain energy and motivation Feel that you're doing something meaningful Find a sense of purpose missing in the corporate world Meet people who think alike Have a real impact – locally and personally Children benefit along the way Social Impact Discover the world of new technologies Create their own projects: Scratch games, robots, Minecraft mods Develop outside of school, at their own pace Gain support and inspiration from adults What does CoderDojo look like? # For children and youth aged 7–17 Meetings every 1–2 weeks Programming, robotics, electronics Sessions led by volunteer mentors No tests, grades, or attendance lists Each Dojo is different and unique Want to get involved? # CoderDojo needs people like you. You don’t have to be a programmer or a teacher. You just need to want to do something. Contact us Get to know us better # Learn more Want to open a new Dojo? # Have an idea for a local club? Great! We’ll give you:\n","title":"Volunteering that pays off. Become a CoderDojo Mentor.","type":"page"},{"content":" Start Gaining: Become a CoderDojo Mentor # Volunteering at CoderDojo is an investment in yourself. It energizes you, builds your skills, gives you a sense of purpose — and along the way, you inspire future innovators. Think of it as ALT+F4 for burnout.\nWhy Become a Volunteer? # Personal Growth # Develop leadership skills: Learn how to explain complex ideas — a perfect foundation for managing teams or clients. \u0026ldquo;Learn again\u0026rdquo;: Refresh your basics in Python or Scratch, or discover Raspberry Pi alongside the kids. Confidence and communication: Practice public speaking in a relaxed, friendly environment — a great way to start. Authentic networking: Meet people driven by passion, not KPIs. Build a network of professionals who care. Gain valuable experience in leadership and project management. Step toward leadership: Gain practical mentoring and organizational experience that makes your CV stand out. Satisfaction and well-being: Reconnect with purpose, reduce stress, and counter burnout through meaningful action. Community Impact (the side effect) # Inspire the next generation of developers and tech innovators. Equalize opportunities: Provide free, inclusive education that can change a child’s life trajectory. Build lasting relationships with other mentors and volunteers. Contribute to a more diverse and inclusive tech community. What We’re Looking For # Essential Qualities # Curiosity and willingness to experiment! You don’t need to know every programming language. If you can use Google and enjoy finding solutions together with kids — you’re ready. A good attitude and the ability to simply “Be Cool!” (our only rule). Nice to Have # Some background in IT or engineering (even as a junior). A few free hours: You can volunteer just a few weekends per year — there’s no strict, long-term commitment required. How to Start # Ready to make a difference? Share your passion: get in touch →\n","date":"1 January 2025","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/en/volunteer/","section":"Volunteering that pays off. Become a CoderDojo Mentor.","summary":"Start Gaining: Become a CoderDojo Mentor # Volunteering at CoderDojo is an investment in yourself. It energizes you, builds your skills, gives you a sense of purpose — and along the way, you inspire future innovators. Think of it as ALT+F4 for burnout.\n","title":"Volunteering","type":"page"},{"content":" About the CoderDojo Poland Foundation # Welcome to the CoderDojo Poland Foundation. After a brief pause (2020–2024), we’re back with a clear, rallying mission: to reignite the volunteer spirit of the IT community and prove that doing good pays off for you.\nOur Mission # We promote volunteering as a tool for personal and professional growth. We preserve the non‑profit ethos of CoderDojo, bringing passion together with competence. We make it easy to start as a mentor with a simple, low‑bureaucracy support platform. We show that technological progress and social progress can go hand in hand. Why join? # Growth and CV: communication, teamwork, mentoring. Well‑being: research‑backed benefits of prosocial action. Networking: meet like‑minded people across the industry. Impact: help kids discover technology — often for life. Join # Whether you’re a developer, student, teacher, or an enthusiast — you’ll find your place in the CoderDojo community.\nLearn more about volunteering →\n","date":"1 January 2024","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/en/about/","section":"Volunteering that pays off. Become a CoderDojo Mentor.","summary":"About the CoderDojo Poland Foundation # Welcome to the CoderDojo Poland Foundation. After a brief pause (2020–2024), we’re back with a clear, rallying mission: to reignite the volunteer spirit of the IT community and prove that doing good pays off for you.\n","title":"About CoderDojo Poland","type":"page"},{"content":" Contact # Ready to join our mission of promoting volunteering through coding education? We’d love to hear from you!\nGet Involved # Whether you’re interested in volunteering, learning more about our heritage, or exploring how you can contribute to coding education in your community — we’re here to help.\nFor Potential Volunteers # If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer mentor or organizer, we’ll help you connect with opportunities that match your skills and interests.\nWhat to include in your message:\nYour education and experience with technology Your interest in education and mentoring Your availability and location Any specific skills or topics you’d like to share For Organizations # Are you a school, library, community center, or company interested in supporting coding education initiatives? Let’s explore how we can collaborate.\nPartnership opportunities:\nHosting coding workshops and events Providing mentoring programs Supporting volunteer recruitment Sharing educational resources For Media and Researchers # Interested in learning about CoderDojo Poland’s story, impact, or volunteer-based education model? We’re happy to share our insights and experience.\nWays to Contact Us # Email # General inquiries: dojo@coderdojo.org.pl\nSocial Media # Stay connected with our community and follow updates on volunteering opportunities and educational initiatives.\nFacebook: @CoderDojoPL X (formerly Twitter): @CoderDojoPL GitHub: CoderDojoPL Start Your Journey # The first step is always the hardest — but also the most rewarding. Whether you want to give back to your community, develop new skills, or be part of something meaningful, we’re here to help you get started.\nLearn more about volunteering →\nExplore our legacy →\n","date":"1 January 2024","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/en/contact/","section":"Volunteering that pays off. Become a CoderDojo Mentor.","summary":"Contact # Ready to join our mission of promoting volunteering through coding education? We’d love to hear from you!\n","title":"Contact","type":"page"},{"content":" The Legacy of CoderDojo Poland (2013–2020) # CoderDojo is a global movement of free, volunteer-led community coding clubs for young people. Anyone could visit a Dojo to learn coding, web development, app and game design, or simply explore technology in an informal, creative, and social environment. In Poland, CoderDojo grew rapidly from 2013 onward, building a network of over 20 local clubs — from Zambrów to Warsaw and Wrocław. Our Dojos, organized in IT companies, libraries, and community centers, became spaces where kids learned Scratch, robotics, and 3D printing, while adults formed strong professional connections.\nOrigins and Once-Real Numbers # Beginning: The initiative started in Zambrów in 2013 as a direct response to the global, non-profit CoderDojo movement. Community Size: At its peak, the Foundation gathered over 100 volunteer mentors across 22 active Dojos in Poland. Weekly Reach: Around 450 children and teens per week learned programming, robotics, and 3D printing in a relaxed, non-commercial atmosphere. Integration: We organized national SuperDojo gatherings, attracting over 350 participants — kids, parents, and mentors alike. Key Achievements and Partnerships # Our work went far beyond running clubs. CoderDojo Poland became a laboratory of social innovation in technology education, linking grassroots volunteering with systemic and institutional impact.\nStrategic Partnership: We were one of the key partners of Samsung’s “Masters of Coding” — at the time, Poland’s largest coding education initiative, reaching thousands of teachers and students. CoderDojo contributed the social component: mentoring and open, volunteer-based teaching methods. Impact on the Education System: Our methods and materials (lesson plans, mentor handbooks) informed the development of Poland’s new programming curriculum. We demonstrated that learning to code can be informal, joyful, and community-driven — not just another school subject. EdTech Ecosystem Development: We supported educational startups — from early concept consultations to product testing. Among our partners was the team behind Photon, an educational robot that became a symbol of Polish EdTech. Global Recognition: Our young participants (Ninjas) represented Poland at international Coolest Projects Awards events in Ireland, earning prizes and distinctions. Their success proved that local Dojos can nurture globally capable talent. Social Capital and Local Empowerment: Through T-Mobile’s “Fajne Granty” program, co-led with the Ministry of Digital Affairs, we supported 47 local digital education initiatives. CoderDojo mentors became local tech leaders — organizing events, hackathons, and mini-conferences. The Multiplication Effect: Many volunteers went on to create their own initiatives, coding schools, and mentoring programs. The influence of CoderDojo can still be seen in companies, NGOs, and universities that continue this culture of openness and collaboration. The legacy of CoderDojo Poland isn’t just about numbers or awards — it’s about changing how Poland learns technology: from hierarchical to collaborative, from consumer to creator.\nThe Model We Promoted: Authentic Volunteering # What made CoderDojo stand out was its culture. That’s why the Foundation is worth reviving — this model worked, developing not only children but adults too.\nIron Rule: free, non-profit mission. No one received payment for mentoring or running key Foundation activities. This built authentic trust and a true community of enthusiasts. The Anti-School: We rejected formality. No attendance lists, no grades, no rigid scripts. Participants worked at their own pace, guided by mentors and driven by autonomy. Volunteer Benefits: For mentors, involvement in CoderDojo was: An Investment in Themselves: growth of soft skills (explaining complex ideas), networking. An Emotional Gain: sense of purpose, burnout prevention, and deep satisfaction. Our People and Their Successes # Achievements of Alumni (Our Ninjas) # The young people who grew up in CoderDojo continue their journeys in technology:\nStudying computer science at top universities. Interning at leading tech companies. Launching startups and contributing to open-source projects. Mentor Growth # Volunteers also gained significantly — applying their CoderDojo experience in their careers:\nCareer advancement and leadership roles (thanks to mentoring and club management experience). Speaking opportunities at conferences and launching new educational initiatives. Building a network of peers connected by passion rather than corporate goals. The Legacy Lives On: Returning to the Mission # Although challenges such as COVID-19 brought the Foundation to the brink of closure in 2024, its legacy and model are too valuable to disappear.\nOur new mission shifts the focus from educating children to supporting volunteers. We aim to preserve the Win-Win Volunteering model — one that develops skills, builds relationships, and gives meaning to those who give their time.\nWant to join a movement proving that volunteering is the best investment in yourself? Find out how to become a Mentor →\n","date":"1 January 2024","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/en/legacy/","section":"Volunteering that pays off. Become a CoderDojo Mentor.","summary":"The Legacy of CoderDojo Poland (2013–2020) # CoderDojo is a global movement of free, volunteer-led community coding clubs for young people. Anyone could visit a Dojo to learn coding, web development, app and game design, or simply explore technology in an informal, creative, and social environment. In Poland, CoderDojo grew rapidly from 2013 onward, building a network of over 20 local clubs — from Zambrów to Warsaw and Wrocław. Our Dojos, organized in IT companies, libraries, and community centers, became spaces where kids learned Scratch, robotics, and 3D printing, while adults formed strong professional connections.\n","title":"The Legacy of CoderDojo Poland: Pioneers, Community, Revival","type":"page"},{"content":"","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/en/authors/","section":"Authors","summary":"","title":"Authors","type":"authors"},{"content":"","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/en/categories/","section":"Categories","summary":"","title":"Categories","type":"categories"},{"content":"","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/en/series/","section":"Series","summary":"","title":"Series","type":"series"},{"content":"","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/en/tags/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Tags","type":"tags"}]