In May 2025, a youth worker from Denmark, representing the NGO Pangaea Youth Network, participated in the Erasmus+ project “Code for Change: Empowering Young Changemakers through Programming” in Benalmádena, Spain. The training brought together passionate youth workers, educators, and community leaders from across Europe with the goal of using coding not just as a technical tool, but as a way to solve real-world social and environmental problems. The project aimed to combine the power of technology with a vision for inclusive, ethical, and sustainable community development.
In Denmark, the use of technology is highly integrated into everyday life, yet digital literacy and advanced coding skills are not evenly distributed. While urban centers like Copenhagen and Aarhus have thriving tech communities and access to high-quality education, smaller towns and rural areas often face challenges in engaging young people in digital innovation. Some young people lack access to advanced technology education, and others do not see a clear connection between coding and improving their communities. Additionally, global challenges such as climate change, mental health issues, and social inequality are felt in Denmark as well, making it essential to equip youth with the skills to respond in creative and impactful ways.
The training in Benalmádena offered a fresh perspective on how these challenges could be addressed. Participants engaged in hands-on coding sessions using languages like Python, JavaScript, and HTML/CSS. These were not only technical lessons—they were linked to broader conversations about social innovation, ethical technology design, and inclusive practices. Trainers encouraged participants to create prototypes with real users in mind, ensuring that privacy, accessibility, and diversity were considered at every stage. The approach emphasized that coding should not only solve problems but do so in a way that respects human rights and serves all members of society.
One of the most eye-opening parts of the program was learning about community-driven tech projects from other countries. In Spain, local youth had developed apps to support elderly people with daily needs, created online platforms for small farmers to share resources, and built educational websites for marginalized groups. These examples showed that impactful technology does not have to be complex or expensive. What mattered most was that it was created by people who understood the needs of their community and were committed to making a difference.
The atmosphere of international exchange was inspiring. Conversations during workshops, meals, and cultural activities revealed the diverse ways technology was being used for good across Europe. The participants left with not only technical knowledge but also a strong sense of belonging to a larger network of changemakers who believed in the potential of young people to lead positive transformations.
After returning to Denmark, the representative from Pangaea Youth Network launched an initiative called “Code for Community.” This program targeted young people in smaller towns who had limited access to advanced tech education. Through a series of workshops held in local schools, libraries, and youth centers, participants learned to build simple but impactful digital tools that addressed issues they identified in their communities. The method followed the principles learned in Benalmádena: hands-on coding practice combined with a focus on ethical design, collaboration, and long-term sustainability.
One group of participants created a platform for local environmental reporting, allowing residents to log issues like illegal dumping or pollution directly to the municipality. Another group designed an online portal to connect young volunteers with organizations in need of support. These projects not only improved community engagement but also showed young people that their ideas could bring about real change.
The results were encouraging. Teachers noticed that students involved in “Code for Community” became more confident and creative. They worked better in teams and demonstrated stronger problem-solving skills. Some even began considering careers in technology, an option they had not previously imagined. Local authorities expressed interest in supporting the program and integrating similar activities into their youth engagement strategies.
The experience proved that when young people in Denmark are given access to both technical skills and the mindset to apply them ethically, they can create meaningful solutions to local and global challenges. By linking coding to real-life impact, the initiative inspired participants to think beyond personal achievement and focus on collective benefit.
Looking ahead, Pangaea Youth Network plans to expand “Code for Community” to reach more regions and to create opportunities for international collaboration with youth from other European countries. The long-term vision is to build a generation of young leaders who are not only technologically skilled but also socially responsible, capable of turning digital ideas into actions that strengthen their communities.
The Erasmus+ “Code for Change” project showed that programming is more than just writing code—it is about building bridges between people, ideas, and opportunities. When young people see technology as a tool for inclusion, equality, and sustainability, they are empowered to shape a future that reflects the values of fairness, collaboration, and innovation.