ClickSafe Club Receives Grant from The Clothworkers' Foundation to Expand Inclusive STEM Opportunities

The grant will enable us to invest in new robotics kits, coding equipment and technology resources that will support our growing programme of after-school clubs, holiday activities, community workshops and engineering projects.

At ClickSafe Club, we believe every child should have the opportunity to explore technology, develop digital skills and gain exposure to future career pathways, so that careers in STEM become a genuine choice rather than an opportunity they never knew existed. However, we know that access to these opportunities is not equal. Many of the children we work with come from communities that are underrepresented in STEM, including girls, children from minority ethnic backgrounds and families facing financial barriers to participation.

By increasing access to engaging STEM experiences, we hope to build science capital, broaden horizons and help more young people recognise the possibilities available to them in an increasingly digital world.

The new equipment will allow us to reach more children and provide richer, more engaging learning experiences that build confidence, creativity, problem-solving skills and curiosity about science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

We have also seen first-hand how appealing STEM and robotics activities can be for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Many children who may struggle to engage in traditional extracurricular activities find a sense of purpose, confidence and belonging through building, designing, coding and solving challenges. Robotics often provides a structured, hands-on environment where children can work at their own pace, explore their interests and experience success.

As our programmes have grown, we have been particularly encouraged by the number of children with SEND who have thrived within our sessions. For some, these activities provide not only opportunities to develop technical skills but also opportunities to build friendships, teamwork and self-confidence within a supportive and inclusive environment.

The grant from The Clothworkers' Foundation will help us continue creating spaces where all children feel welcome and capable, regardless of their background, gender or additional needs.

Elizabeth Meshioye, Founding  Director of ClickSafe Club, said: "Technology is shaping every aspect of our future, and we want every child to have the opportunity to explore it. Our goal is not to decide children's futures for them, but to ensure they have the confidence, exposure and experiences needed to make informed choices about the paths they wish to pursue. This investment will help us expand access to high-quality STEM experiences while continuing to build an inclusive community where children can learn, grow and belong. We are incredibly grateful to The Clothworkers' Foundation for their support."

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to The Clothworkers' Foundation for investing in our work and helping us inspire the next generation of engineers, technologists and digital creators.