Computer Club for Girls boosts ICT skills for future

Published by Maria McMullan for Northgate Managed Services in Education

Computer Club for Girls boosts ICT skills for future – Farry

Department for Employment and Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry, today visited Holy Trinity Primary School in North Belfast, to see first hand its Computer Club for Girls (CC4G).

Holy Trinity is one of 40 primary schools across Northern Irelandwhich are members of CC4G, an after school club that has been specifically designed to encourage young girls to engage in ICT from an early age.  In Northern Ireland795 girls aged between 10 and 14 are currently benefiting from CC4G membership.

During his visit to the school, Minister Farry said:  “The ICT sector is very important to the success of the NI economy and I support this initiative which aims to encourage young girls to consider this sector for a future career.  Research shows that 92% of those participating  in the Computer Clubs 4 Girls said they would consider studying ICT at GCSE, A Level or degree level, and I hope that some of the participants here today will enjoy a career in ICT in the future.

“ICT is a growth sector for our local economy.  It affects every aspect of our lives - not just through the things we use every day like our mobile phones,  social media channels and computers but it's vital in so many other sectors, such as engineering and medicine.”

Developed by e-skillsUKwith funding from ICT service provider Northgate Managed Services, CC4G aims to address the skills and gender gap impacting on the ICT sector.

The initiative enhances their ICT skills through a series of carefully-graded challenges themed around their interests such as fashion, music, sport and celebrity. According to teacher feedback the Club is not only supporting the girls’ learning in ICT and across the curriculum, but it is also helping to build their confidence and self esteem. 

Mrs Armstrong, the principal of Holy Trinity, said: “We welcome CC4G because we place great importance on ICT and feel if girls are encouraged to use it, and enjoy using it from a young age, their interest will continue throughout their school days and be of great benefit to their future careers.”

Andy Ross, Chief Executive, of Northgate Managed Services, added: “As a leading ICT services provider to all schools in NI, we understand how technology underpins every aspect of learning. Initiatives such as CC4G are vital if we are to capture the imagination of our children and stimulate their interest for the future. Not only will this help them as individuals, but will also be of long term benefit to the economy as a whole.”

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