YOUNG people with disabilities have completed the first phase of an innovative new coding and game-making course in Inishowen.
The course is being run by the award-winning social enterprise Spraoi agus Spórt in Carndonagh.
The Power Up! programme is designed to provide a pathway into the digital creative industries. Delivered under Slí WorkAbility programme and supported by Pobal, participants are given practical hands-on training and high-level technical skills.
Spraoi agus Spórt’s Operations Manager John Peto said: “The project is a collaboration with Kippie, a social enterprise dedicated to making game design accessible to all. It inspires participants to think big about possible career paths in tech and gives a real understanding of how the digital creative industries work in Inishowen’s local economy.
“People with disabilities in rural areas such as Donegal face persistent barriers to meaningful employment. This includes limited local opportunities, a lack of inclusive employers, and inadequate access to tailored training and support.
“As a result, less than 30 per cent of people with disabilities in Donegal are in paid employment, significantly lower than the national average of 49 per cent. Spraoi agus Spórt is deeply committed to challenging perceptions and raising aspirations for all members of the community.”
John says Power Up! allows everyone to build practical skills in a sector where they have historically been underrepresented.
“Rather than being steered solely toward traditional roles in hospitality or retail, participants are encouraged to explore their interests in IT and technology,” he said.
During the course, students designed and built their own games from scratch – covering everything from graphics to complex coding.
“These are real-world projects that they can show to prospective employers. The work created was second to none, so a massive well done to everyone.”
This project is co-funded by the Government of Ireland, through the Department of Social Protection, and the European Union.
Anyone interested in learning more about the Slí WorkAbility programme can get in touch on [email protected], call 0858601834 or visit www.spraoiagussport.ie/sli-workability.
Peter Doherty, participant in the Power Up! Programme, delivered under Slí WorkAbility and supported by Pobal.