Boys and Girls Clubs and Public Library pair up to offer Mobile Technology Program in Kawartha Lakes

Christina Mabee, Communications Assistant, Boys & Girls Clubs of Kawartha Lakes

KAWARTHA LAKES: The Boys and Girls Clubs of Kawartha Lakes (BGCKL) are excited to collaborate with the Kawartha Lakes Public Library and the Bakshi family to offer a Mobile Technology Program Virtually. This program has been developed based on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Canada and the Canada Learning Code Kid Tech Nation program [which] has been facilitated by Boys and Girls Clubs of Kawartha Lakes in our Lindsay and Peterborough locations.

“This is an exciting opportunity for BGCKL to work hand in hand with the Kawartha Lakes Public Library and the Bakshi family, to bring innovative programming to kids in our rural communities,” said Amy Terrill, Executive Director of BGCKL. “Rural families are accustomed to seeing the club offer sports and recreation programs, closer to their homes, [which] focus on keeping kids healthy and active, but through this partnership we get to expand kids’ minds with our amazing technology curriculum!”

Kawartha Lakes Public Library will provide each participant with a library card. In what is described as a win-win partnership, the library is looking forward to welcoming new families and kids into the library and introducing them to the many exciting other programs and services offered.

“The library wants to equip local children with the critical skills they need to navigate the world we live in today and thrive in the future,” says Jamie Anderson, Library Director/CEO.“When the opportunity to work with the Boys and Girls Club came up, we jumped at the idea. This program is an exciting way for children to understand technology and helps improve problem-solving and analytical skills. Plus, it will be great fun.”

The Bakshi Family has sponsored start-up costs to help the BGCKL, and has committed to the program in one community each year for 3 years. Due to the pandemic the program will be offered virtually for the first year.

“The Bakshi family has a long connection to Lindsay,” explained Pepe Bakshi. “We want to support younger students now, for tomorrow’s opportunities, more exposure to science and technology will help do that. We are thrilled to join two very successful organizations that share this commitment. We invite others to get involved and grow this program.”

The first program is scheduled to start January 30th, virtually. The program is divided into two sessions, one for ages 7-9 and one for ages 10-12. Both programs have the capacity to receive a maximum of 10 participants each. The Kid Tech Nation curriculum aims to increase children’s exposure to digital skills, coding concepts, internet safety, and computational thinking. Our main objectives are to: Increase educational opportunities for coding and digital skills development; Increase confidence and interest in technology; Increase young people’s digital literacy skills; Increase communication, teamwork, and analytical thinking; Offer experience in the real-world application of STEM concepts and promote early career awareness.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Kawartha Lakes are also looking for potential sponsors to be able to offer this program in more communities across the Kawartha Lakes in the future. To learn more, visit www.bgckl.com.

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