More than 30 girls learn about computer coding by making games at Toronto event

More than 30 girls got an introduction to the world of computer coding in Toronto this weekend by building interactive games through a program called Scratch.

The beginner level workshop, one of many held across Canada, was designed to teach girls aged 8 to 13 how to code by making a game. It was organized by Ladies Learning Code, a national non-profit organization that teaches digital skills to women and youth through workshops and private programming.

The event on Saturday, the third annual, was called National Girls Learning Code Day.

Carolyn Van, director of youth programming for Ladies Learning Code, said the workshop gave the girls a chance to work with a programming language that encourages mathematical and computational skills.

Most importantly, said Van, the event offered girls a chance to explore their interest in technology, to experience the satisfaction that comes from building technology, and to learn new skills that might lead into new career paths.

"I guess the personal agenda, if there is one, is we want to build a better future for the future versions of us, right? We want these girls to have the experience that we wish we had and we didn't," Van said.

"We figured, if we introduce these girls and expose to these types of environments, these types of industries, to meet other women and girls in technology, that it will inspire them to know that there are many more options out there in terms of their career journey up ahead."

Van said she hopes girls who decide on a career in technology will not have the same problems she encountered as a woman working in the male-dominated field.

"I always had a technical mind," she said. "Especially when I got into leadership, I was almost always the only woman in the room. That's not easy. It comes with its challenges," she said.

"I want the future versions of me to know that this is the place for you."

Ava Petramala, a participant, said she was glad she took part in the event.

"It was really fun. I really enjoyed it. It was just a really good opportunity," she said."They are going to need coders in the future, and if I enjoy it, I want to do it when I get older. I thought it would really be fun to come here to do it today."

Grace Tinning, another participant, said the event is a good way to help girls get into the programming industry. 

"I'm really into cartoons and I want to be an animator," she said. "I never saw it before as something I wanted to do, I thought I always wanted to be an actress, but then I turned on a computer one day and just built amazing things on Minecraft."