We live in a time when the IT industry is governing the world. This industry is experiencing rapid growth and development, and with that, it is essential for children to become familiar with and properly utilize modern digital devices. IThink Academy was created to enable the youngest to grasp the concept of digitization, aimed at the proper study of all tools and programs suitable for their age.
What essentially does it mean to be a program coordinator?
I am Hristina Peceva, and I have been part of the SEDC team for 5 years. This year, for the first time, I am the coordinator of the children’s academy, which is a great pleasure for me. Being a coordinator of such an academy entails significant responsibility because I am the link between the children, parents, and trainers.
What do children face at the Basic level of the Academy?
Upon completing the Basic level, children acquire a basic understanding of the IT industry, laying the groundwork for further work and learning. Throughout the year, they engage in numerous exercises, classwork, as well as gaining knowledge from 5 different modules, which essentially make up the level itself.
Are children and parents satisfied and do they continue to the next levels after completing the Basic level?
After completing the basic level, the majority of children automatically enroll in the advanced level for the next year. The percentage of children continuing is over 90%, which is a result of satisfied parents.
This year, the children created a website for SANO, which is truly impressive. Do you already have an idea for next year?
Yes, this year the children from the Advanced level created the website for SANO as the final product. Certainly, next year, we will focus on finding non-governmental organizations with social responsibility. The goal is for children from both groups at the Advanced level to create their websites.
What does IThink represent for you as a coordinator?
IThink Academy represents an introductory academy in the field of IT technology, intended for children who want to get acquainted with and step into the IT world. It lasts for the entire school year, i.e., 9 months, starting in September and ending in June.
Since all parents are in a race with time for their child to participate in sports or foreign languages, do you think this is as important as other activities if children show interest in the Academy?
Certainly, every parent decides on what activity to enroll their child in, and I believe it is of great importance for children to participate in sports for their physical development. However, we live in a time where social media and the IT industry govern the world, so activities like IT academies, training, workshops for children are of equal importance, especially if they show interest in this area.
Message to the parents
My message to the parents would be to follow their children’s interests and enable them to do, follow, and learn what they want, not what parents think is right or good. Often, imposed activities on children create aversion and resistance.