Six months on, Centre Director Orgil Otgonbayar is celebrating the milestone – and the growing number of children discovering a love for coding at the popular kids’ learning centre, based in Mycenae House.
Code Ninjas offers children aged 5 to 14 the chance to learn coding in a safe, inclusive and social environment where gaming is celebrated and STEM is made fun. With support from trained instructors known as Senseis, kids tackle engaging challenges and build real coding skills through game-based learning.
This is Orgil’s second Code Ninjas location, having already successfully launched the Bromley centre in 2022. With a background in maths and finance, Orgil was inspired to create opportunities he wishes he’d had when he was younger.
“After uni, I knew I didn’t want to go down the traditional route – I was looking for something that felt exciting and meaningful,” said Orgil. “When I discovered Code Ninjas, I was immediately drawn to how it blends creativity with learning in such a fun way. I didn’t start coding until I got to university, and even then, I had to teach myself while my computer science mates were already way ahead, building full-on projects. I remember thinking, ‘If only I’d had something like this when I was younger!’ That’s what really inspired me to get involved – I want to give kids that head start I never had.”
Now home to nearly 20 Ninjas and supported by two Senseis, the centre has already made its mark well beyond Blackheath. “One of our Senseis recently won the Code Ninjas Sensei Jam – a coding competition open to instructors across the UK, US and Canada,” explained Orgil. “It was a massive achievement, and they took home the top prize! It was such a proud moment for our team and really inspiring for our Ninjas to see what’s possible.”
For Orgil, it’s all about opening doors for the next generation. “I believe the tech world should be accessible to everyone – and that starts early,” he said. “Blackheath is full of bright, curious kids, and I want to give them the space to explore coding in a way that’s fun, hands-on and empowering. Whether or not they end up in a STEM career, the skills they build here – from logic and creativity to teamwork – will stick with them for life.”
That passion for developing young people doesn’t stop with the students. Orgil is equally committed to creating meaningful roles for older teens in the area. “Being a Sensei is such a great first job – it’s fun, it’s rewarding and it helps young people grow in confidence,” he added. “They’re learning how to lead, picking up valuable tech know-how and making a real difference in the lives of the kids they work with. It’s a fantastic stepping stone for whatever they choose to do next.”
With summer coding camps just around the corner and Code Ninjas set to take part in August’s Family Fun Day at Mycenae House, the centre is becoming a vibrant part of the local community. “Mycenae House is such a fantastic community hub – we feel really lucky to be based here,” added Orgil.
The Family Fun Day, part of Greenwich PARKSfest – a celebration of free cultural entertainment across local parks and open spaces – takes place on Sunday 3rd August from 11am to 4:30pm. Families can enjoy a range of activities hosted by the many clubs and groups that run from Mycenae House, including a chance to meet the Code Ninjas team.
“The Family Fun Day is the perfect chance for local families to pop in, say hello and get a feel for what we do. If your child’s curious about coding or you just want to see what we’re all about, we’d love to welcome you!”
Code Ninjas will also be running Summer Camps in Blackheath during the last three weeks of August, from Wednesday to Friday each week. Activities range from modding with Minecraft to an introduction to Roblox Studio, designed to make coding fun and accessible for young minds.
To learn more about Code Ninjas Blackheath, visit www.codeninjas.co.uk/blackheath-ldn-uk