AMIS Conclusion opens its doors to the next generation of developers with CoderMinds 

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AMIS Conclusion recently opened its doors to the next generation of developers through CoderMinds, an organisation co-led by AMIS colleague Bahadir Kucuk. For several years, CoderMinds has offered coding camps, workshops, courses and BrightMinds projects for children aged 6 to 16, including gifted children. In this interview, we explore the collaboration, CoderMinds’ initiatives and how the company helps develop tomorrow’s tech experts. 

Four years ago, alongside his Computer Science studies, Bahadir started teaching at CoderMinds. At the time, CoderMinds was a project run by a foundation. He explains: “During my studies, I was always thinking about the simplest way to explain concepts to children. I started teaching at CoderMinds and gradually began expanding the programme, teaching materials and marketing. Two and a half years ago, I turned CoderMinds from a project into a company. Over the past three and a half years, we have organised coding camps during every school holiday, without exception.”

CoderMinds now reaches around 2,000 children annually, many of whom return for another camp or course. They need not worry about repeating the same lessons, Bahadir explains: “Depending on the time of year, we have between 10 and 15 teachers, and we guarantee that the same lesson will never be taught twice. We continually improve all our teaching materials, so children keep learning about the latest topics.” Its popularity is reflected in more than 300 Google reviews from enthusiastic parents and children, giving CoderMinds an impressive rating of 4.9.

Bahadir is proud of this achievement. “As an immigrant in the Netherlands, I feel it is very important to give something back to society. I now teach the next generation of tech professionals about coding, programming and AI, while giving children the opportunity to meet IT professionals and work alongside them in the same environment. This is how I can contribute to society.”

Following successful coding camps in Amsterdam, Amstelveen and The Hague, among other locations, CoderMinds explored the possibility of organising a camp in the Utrecht region this summer. Why not hold it at AMIS Conclusion’s office? Bahadir explains: “I aim to organise coding camps at IT companies so children can meet IT professionals directly and ask them anything about their work. My own employer’s office at AMIS Conclusion was therefore a perfect choice.”

AMIS Conclusion immediately embraced the idea. André van Dalen, CEO of AMIS Conclusion, says: “When Bahadir came to me and told me about CoderMinds, as modest as ever, I was immediately enthusiastic. A look around the website, particularly the testimonials, convinced me completely.”

The school holiday coding camps mainly cater to primary school children. Bahadir explains the programme: “The children attend around four to five hour-long lessons each day, covering topics ranging from coding and programming to robotics and AI. They programme their own games, build robots, generate game backgrounds and characters, and use AI to control games without a keyboard or mouse. During the morning break, they enjoy homemade biscuits and meet IT professionals who tell them about their work. We have lunch together and go for a walk, just like the other colleagues. This gives children an early taste of working at a real IT company, and they love it!” 

Is CoderMinds exclusively for children? Absolutely not. Bahadir explains: “Last year, we received a request from a large Dutch financial services provider. They asked whether CoderMinds could organise something for adults too. I immediately said yes, gave a presentation, and then the team came along to try coding and robotics themselves. The event was a huge success. We certainly organise activities for adults too, but only when our schedule allows.” 

The first coding camp at AMIS Conclusion’s office recently ended with a celebratory certificate ceremony. André van Dalen welcomed everyone and led the closing ceremony. Parents then had the chance to admire the games and robots their children had created, followed by a shared meal with the children and organisers.

André reflects: “It is wonderful to see how enthusiastic, eager to learn and creative these young talents are. They were proud of what they had achieved together, their parents and grandparents were proud, and we were proud that AMIS Conclusion could contribute to their growth and development during this coding camp. An enjoyable and educational week: a winning combination that certainly leaves me wanting more!”

Curious about CoderMinds’ other initiatives? Visit the website to discover how CoderMinds helps develop the next generation of developers.