Since 2021, Code Ninjas Wokingham has been the go-to hangout for kids who love tech, gaming and thinking outside the box. Now, four years on, the buzzing coding studio is celebrating a major milestone – having empowered more than 650 young minds through its fun and educational sessions. Centre Director Naveen Khapali is reflecting on the journey so far, from day one to Black Belts and belt up celebrations!

“I started Code Ninjas in Wokingham because I know how important it is to introduce kids to tech from an early age,” said Naveen, a STEM.org certified master educator who used his extensive background in mobile technology to launch the centre and bring his passion for education to life. “Over the last four years, we’ve supported more than 650 students through regular coding sessions and holiday camps – it’s been incredible to watch their skills, confidence and curiosity grow.”

But Code Ninjas Wokingham hasn’t just been helping kids level up – it’s also creating opportunities for older students, with some now working at the centre while continuing to learn. And with new offerings for home learners, after-school clubs and even coding-themed birthday parties, Naveen and the team are making tech education more accessible – and more fun – than ever before.

“What started as a passion project has become something so much bigger,” added Naveen. “We’re helping raise a generation of innovators, problem-solvers and future tech leaders. That’s what really drives us.”

At Code Ninjas, kids aged 5-14 learn to code in a safe, supportive and seriously cool environment. Guided by their Senseis – the name given to instructors – they tackle creative projects and challenges that teach them to build games, write code and think like engineers. STEM has never looked so fun. And while kids are having fun, they’re also learning valuable skills that often go beyond the traditional classroom.

“School lays the foundation, but education is also about preparing for the future,” said Naveen. “That’s why we focus on helping kids understand and engage with technology in ways that feel natural and exciting.”

As generative AI becomes more integrated into everyday life, the need for a strong foundation in technology is growing. In fact, a recent report states that jobs in STEM will see some of the highest growth in the future, just behind healthcare.

“Learning to code isn’t just about computers—it can help children develop problem-solving skills, creativity, and confidence in a tech-driven world. I’ve stayed with Code Ninjas for the past four years because I get to watch kids grow—not just in their technical skills, but in how they think and express themselves,” Naveen added.

Among the many proud moments over the last four years – including a number of students having achieved their belt up and holiday camp certifications – two stand out for Naveen. “One of the biggest highlights was welcoming local councillors – Sir John Redwood MP, Cllr Stuart Munro and Cllr Philip Mirfin – into the centre. It was great to show how our community is getting behind tech education and recognising the impact it’s having,” they said. “And just recently, one of our Ninjas is completing their Black Belt – the highest level in our programme – by building a flight simulator as their final project. That kind of achievement is exactly why we do what we do.”

To mark the big birthday, Code Ninjas Wokingham is celebrating in style with offers for those who attend the anniversary event, soon to be announced. It’s their way of saying thanks to the families who’ve supported them over the years.

“I would like to express a massive thank you to the Wokingham community for backing us since day one,” added Naveen. “It’s been such a privilege to watch so many young minds grow and thrive through tech. We set out to create a safe, fun space where kids could learn life-changing skills – and we’re just getting started.”

To learn more about Code Ninjas Wokingham, visit www.codeninjas.co.uk/wokingham-brk-uk

1 McKinsey Global Institute, The economic potential of generative AI: The next productivity frontier, 2023