As part of our Coolest Projects youth stories, we have been speaking to some participants of last year’s event and hearing all about their awesome Coolest Projects experiences. This time, Jeroen has kindly shared his story with us. Jeroen was 15 when he attended the event last year, with his admirable project, Welcome Here. He is a member of the Mechelen @ Technopolis Dojo in Belgium.
Jeroen had the idea to create his project when he heard that many people were coming to Europe in the winter of 2016 as refugees. As a way to help, he developed a project in the form of an app, designed “to help them with their integration and give them a better understanding of the new environment where they landed.” You can read more about Jeroen’s app here.
Jeroen’s remarkable idea and hard work was given recognition, both at home in Belgium and further afield, where he received some publicity in local and international news. At Coolest Projects 2017, Jeroen was awarded as the winner of the Future Makers category. This prize category recognises projects which address a social cause and strive towards a positive future.
Jeroen’s success at Coolest Projects has motivated him to continue with his passion for coding, and has provided him with some new opportunities; “the recognition of Future Makers definitely opened new doors for me and expanded my network. “ Jeroen even has his own YouTube channel, Code Teacher, where he shares his knowledge!
Jeroen’s Coolest Projects advice: go for it!
Jeroen shared some advice for young people who are thinking of registering for this year’s event; “my biggest advice for young coders who take part or want to join the event is to go for it and never give up. If I would have given up on my biggest problem, I wouldn’t be here today and doing what I like the most…coding!” Well said, Jeroen!
If you have been inspired by Jeroen and have an idea that you are working on at your Dojo or Raspberry Pi initiative, make sure to register your project for the Coolest Projects International event here. This year, Coolest Projects is also coming to the UK for an exciting UK event, which you can register for here.
If you are unable to attend Coolest Projects you can still share what you’re making with us using #MyCoolestProject to be in with a chance of winning a Pi Zero and more awesome prizes! Check out this blog post to find out more.