Radically expanding its reach in Northern Ireland, Barefoot recently secured funding from Ciena (a global networking systems, services and software company), to provide free training workshops and resources to NI teachers.
The collaboration officially launched with a special event at Ciena’s Belfast Office. It included presentations setting out Barefoot and Ciena's vision to expand digital learning and bridge the digital divide in Northern Ireland by training Ciena volunteers and showcasing local pupils who have already benefited from Barefoot.
Dr Irene Bell, Chair of Computing at School, Northern Ireland said:
“This is great news. Barefoot focuses on enabling a high-quality computing education for all pupils through resources and professional development workshops for teachers. The plan is to bring on Ciena staff as Barefoot Volunteers to run workshops and over the next four years we aim to reach all schools across NI.”
Alison Wilson, Vice President of Fulfilment Operations at Ciena, said:
“Through its Digital Inclusion program, Ciena is committed to making a difference in the communities where our employees live and work. With technology continuing to play an increasingly important part in our day to day lives - it’s vital that we help prepare young people for future careers in the technology sector.”
Since its launch in 2014, Barefoot has reached over 85,000 primary teachers across the UK (including teachers in NI) with its free workshops and resources.
Thanks to support from Ciena, Barefoot appointed a dedicated coordinator for the program. To find out more, please email the coordinator.
