Robots, Code, and 3D in Focus at Kids Hack Day – Hello World and Toca Boca Promote Tech Among kids

More kids – regardless of background – should have the opportunity to learn coding, build robots, create renderings, and use 3D printers. This was the goal when the non-profit organization Hello World, together with Toca Boca, the Swedish gaming studio, invited kids to Kids Hack Day on 18th of November to celebrate World Children's Day. In collaboration with Rinkeby Folkets Hus and the Fryshuset network “Children to single mothers”, a day packed with activities and games was organized at Toca Boca Campus in Hammarby Sjöstad.

During the year, the Swedish non-profit organization Hello World, in collaboration with the Swedish game studio Toca Boca, has arranged a wide range of STEM-related activities for kids and youths in Stockholm. Volunteers from Toca Boca, Hello World, and students from KTH, LTH and Chalmers have taught subjects such as programming and video game development, with the aim to spark interest in tech, programming, and coding among tomorrow's tech talents – regardless of background or prerequisites.

– Our goal, ever since we were established, has been to give kids and young people the opportunity to both explore and delve into STEM, not least to equip them with the tools to realise their ideas and express themselves through digital technology. To also do this together with Toca Boca, one of the world's foremost game studios, especially when it comes to promoting creativity in kids, feels both grand and important, says Maria Arneng , Secretary General for Hello World.

The biggest activity of the year, however, was Kids Hack Day, which took place on November 18th, two days before World Children’s Day. A full day filled with play, digital creativity, and above all, an educational experience for both kids and their parents was organized. To engage children and youths who are usually underrepresented in both STEM and game development, Hello World and Toca Boca had also chosen to initiate a collaboration with Rinkeby Folkets Hus and the network "Children to single mothers" from Fryshuset.

– Like Hello World, we are keen to give all kids the chance to realize their creativity. The collaboration reflects our commitment to using play as a means to shape future programmers and innovators. By providing resources and opportunities for kids and youths to engage with technology, we hope to inspire them to explore their talents and contribute to a diverse and inclusive future within STEM, says Emil Ovemar, Head of Studio and founder of Toca Boca.

Kids Hack Day took place on Toca Boca's premises – Toca Boca Campus – in Hammarby Sjöstad. Once on site, kids had the opportunity to explore programming, code and build robots, create renderings, use 3D printers, try out lasers, and also participate in Toca Boca’s game development processes, all together with their parents.