ING

A day full of fun IT at the École Libre Sainte Famille in Escanaffles, Belgium

This entry was posted in News and tagged belgium Coding CyberSecurity ING Robotics STEM on by

The morning started quietly. A group of ING Belgium volunteers arrived at the school with laptops, robots, and a few boxes of cables, not quite sure what the day would look like. The pupils, on the other hand, had no idea what was coming.

The first workshop was about coding. Small hands moved blocks on screens, and within minutes, the room was full of questions: “What happens if I change this number? Why did my character fall?” Each question was a little moment of discovery.

Then came the robots. Pupils watched their creations move for the first time, sometimes in the right direction, sometimes not. Every wrong turn led to a laugh, a fix, and another try. That’s the part of learning that’s hard to teach in a textbook.

In another corner, the cybersecurity session made everyone think twice about their passwords. And when the virtual reality headsets came out, the classroom went quiet, then erupted in gasps and giggles.

By the end of the day, the teachers and the headteacher had watched their pupils change, becoming more curious, more confident, and more willing to try things on their own.

For the Devoxx4Kids team, it was a reminder of why we do this. Technology should not be reserved for a few. It should be a playground for every child.

Thank you to the school’s headteacher and teaching staff for opening their doors, and to the ING volunteers who made the day unforgettable.

See the photos and feedback from the day on the school’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1646192950625983

NoTélé news: TV news

Le Journal des Enfants’s article and video

Sparking the Future: Devoxx4Kids Brings STEM Magic to Brugelette thanks to ING Belgium

This entry was posted in News and tagged BeCode CorporateVolunteering Cylander Futurecoders ING STEM TechEducation TechForGood YouthEmpowerment on by

The halls of Maison de Phenix in Brugelette buzzed with excitement yesterday as young minds dove headfirst into the world of technology.

More Than Just an Event: A Movement in Action

What unfolded wasn’t just another tech workshop—it was a testament to the power of community collaboration and corporate social responsibility. The day showcased how passionate volunteers, dedicated organizations, and forward-thinking companies can come together to shape the next generation of innovators.

At the heart of this success story was the remarkable involvement of ING Belgium team members, who stepped away from their regular duties to spend quality time with young learners. These volunteers didn’t just observe from the sidelines; they rolled up their sleeves and became hands-on mentors, guiding children through the fascinating worlds of software programming, robotics, and electronics.

“Seeing the spark in a child’s eyes when their code finally works, or when their robot responds to their commands—that’s what makes these volunteer hours so worthwhile,” shared one of the ING Belgium participants.

A Partnership Ecosystem That Works

The success of events like the one in Brugelette demonstrates the power of strategic partnerships. The collaboration between BeCode, Cylander, and ING Belgium created a rich ecosystem of support that made the day possible.

BeCode brought their expertise in coding education and digital literacy, Cylander contributed their technical knowledge and resources, while ING Belgium provided not just financial support but, more importantly, human capital, their employees who became mentors for the day.

This model of corporate volunteering goes beyond traditional sponsorship. It creates authentic connections between industry professionals and young learners, providing children with real-world context for their newfound skills and interests.

The Ripple Effect

Events like Devoxx4Kids in Brugelette create ripple effects that extend far beyond the workshop walls. Children return home excited about technology, sharing their new knowledge with siblings and friends. Parents gain appreciation for STEM education. Volunteers return to their workplaces energized by their contribution to the next generation.

Some of these young participants will undoubtedly pursue careers in technology, engineering, or related fields. Others might simply develop a lifelong appreciation for how technology works and how they can use it creatively in whatever path they choose.

Thanking

The event in Brugelette wouldn’t have been possible without:
The incredible support of BeCode, Cylander and ING Belgium
All our passionate volunteers and the amazing core team
Everyone who believes in nurturing the next generation of tech innovators

Together, we’ve sparked curiosity and planted seeds for the future of tech.

#Devoxx4kids #STEM #TechEducation #Futurecoders #ING #BeCode #Cylander #CorporateVolunteering #TechForGood #YouthEmpowerment