In May 2025, a youth worker from Czechia, representing the NGO Youth Prague z.s., joined the Erasmus+ project “Code for Change: Empowering Young Changemakers through Programming” in Benalmádena, Spain. This international training brought together participants from different backgrounds, all driven by the belief that technology can be a powerful force for social good. The project focused on teaching coding skills while also promoting collaboration, ethical engagement, and sustainable community development. It aimed to give youth workers the tools to guide young people toward creating impactful digital solutions for real-world problems.
In Czechia, technology is present in many aspects of life, but the opportunities to learn advanced programming skills are not equally distributed. While cities like Prague and Brno have thriving tech hubs, smaller towns and rural areas face challenges in accessing quality digital education. Many young people in these regions lack the resources or role models to connect technology with community improvement. Additionally, Czechia, like many countries, is dealing with broader social and environmental issues—climate change, mental health challenges, and social inequality—that require innovative approaches to solve. This combination of digital gaps and pressing societal needs made the focus of “Code for Change” particularly relevant.
The training in Benalmádena was an eye-opening experience. Participants learned coding in languages such as Python, JavaScript, and HTML/CSS, not only as technical exercises but as tools to address meaningful causes. The trainers emphasized that coding should be about solving problems in ways that are inclusive and ethical. Every prototype created during the sessions had to consider data privacy, accessibility, and user-centered design. The connection between technology and human rights became clear—digital solutions should not only function well but also respect and serve diverse communities.
One of the most inspiring parts of the training was seeing how other countries were using technology for positive impact. In Spain, local youth had built mobile apps to connect volunteers with elderly people in need of assistance, platforms to support small-scale farmers, and online learning spaces for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. These projects demonstrated that even small-scale digital solutions could create big changes when designed with a clear social purpose.
The experience also provided a chance to share best practices and learn from other participants’ experiences. Informal discussions over meals and cultural exchanges deepened the understanding of how different communities approached social challenges. These moments showed that while contexts may differ, the commitment to making a difference through technology is shared across borders.
Returning to Czechia, the youth worker launched a local initiative called “Digital Changemakers.” The program aimed to bring coding workshops to young people in smaller towns who rarely had such opportunities. Sessions were held in local schools, community centers, and libraries. Each workshop combined practical coding exercises with problem-solving activities focused on local issues. Young participants were encouraged to identify a challenge in their community and design a digital solution for it.
Several projects emerged from the initiative. A group of high school students developed a website to connect volunteers with environmental clean-up events. Another team created a simple but effective platform to help local shops advertise surplus food at reduced prices, reducing waste and supporting low-income families. These projects reflected the principles learned in Benalmádena—technology as a tool for both innovation and inclusion.
The impact was felt quickly. Teachers noticed that students gained not only technical skills but also teamwork, creativity, and confidence. Local community leaders saw the potential of engaging young people in creating solutions rather than waiting for external help. Some municipalities began discussing ways to integrate similar workshops into their regular youth programs. The initiative also inspired some participants to explore careers in technology, expanding their vision for the future.
The Erasmus+ project “Code for Change” proved that coding can be much more than a technical skill—it can be a bridge between creativity and social responsibility. When young people see that they can use technology to address issues they care about, they become active participants in shaping their communities.
Looking forward, Youth Prague z.s. plans to expand the “Digital Changemakers” program to more regions, creating partnerships with schools and local governments. There is also a vision to connect Czech participants with international peers through online hackathons and collaborative projects, ensuring that learning continues beyond national borders. The goal is to create a network of young leaders who are both technically skilled and socially conscious, ready to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow.
This experience reaffirmed that when youth are empowered with the right skills and mindset, they can transform their communities. Technology, when used with empathy and responsibility, becomes a powerful force for inclusion, equality, and sustainable development. “Code for Change” was not just a training—it was a reminder that the future is in the hands of young people who dare to combine innovation with compassion.