Last year Our Island provided support to the the Isle of Man Code Club to fund the purchase of three new laptops.

These will allow them to take part in the national finals of the Cyber Centurion competition, which is held in London and is open to 12 to 18 year-olds from across the UK, Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories pit teams against one another to secure their computers from a cyber-attack.

Saturday saw Our Island political board members Chris Thomas MHK, Daphne Caine MHK and Tanya August-Hanson MLC visit the club.

This year the Code Club entered three teams, and the youngest of which scored the highest in the UK in their category, gaining them a place in the national finals.

Owen Cutajar, founder of the Code Club says that whilst they may face a lot of competition the team is optimistic about their chances.

’We’re confident that we can bring the trophy back home to the Isle of Man, so we’re keen to give them every opportunity to do this.’

Over the last few years, coding, which is the process of making computer software, apps and websites, has seen a resurgence and the club’s maker-space in Douglas is always a hive of activity, with group sessions, lectures and workshops for all ages and technical abilities.

Owen was keen to point out that there’s more to the club than just coding.

’Whilst our main focus is programming, we run classes on electronics, radio, 3D printing, virtual reality and lots more.’

Our Island political chairman Chris Thomas MHK said: ’As technology becomes more and more important in our everyday lives it becomes even more vital for us to develop our understanding of how that technology works.

’The skills taught at Code Club not only have the potential to lead to a future career but also can also provide opportunities to form connections with like-minded people across the globe.

’Our Island is proud to have been able to support the Isle of Man Code Club and we are excited to see where these young people’s creativity and innovation will take them in the future.’

For more information go online to ourisland.im, email [email protected] or call 687007.

by the Year of Our Island project team

www.ourisland.co.im