The Irish born organisation that teaches young people around the world how to code is merging with the British foundation that makes mini low cost computers for the same purpose.
The link-up between the CoderDojo Foundation and the Raspberry Pi Foundation will, both organisations claim, give more young people the opportunity to learn how to learn coding and creative skills.
In a blog post announcing the move, CoderDojo Executive Director, Giustina Mizzoni, said the merger would "support the Foundation in becoming a stronger, more sustainable and resilient organisation advancing our mission."
It would, she added, enable and accelerate CoderDojo’s work, ensuring that its community has access to the best possible support, including to the world’s best educational materials and resources.
CoderDojo began in 2011 when then 18 year old James Whelton and entrepreneur Bill Liao decided to set up free coding classes at the National Software Centre in Cork.
Since then it has built a global network of 1,250 free, volunteer-led, community-based programming clubs for young people aged seven to 17 in 69 countries.
"The Raspberry Pi Foundation is 100% aligned with the purpose of getting young people learning to code and CoderDojo has been a partner for many years," said James Whelton.
"We see that together we can rock the world."
Raspberry Pi released the first generation of its device in 2012 and since then it has grown its range of products, selling millions around the world.
The combined entity aims to quadruple the number of CoderDojos worldwide to 5,000 by the end of 2020.
But although it is merging, the CoderDojo Foundation will continue as an independent charity based in Ireland with the Raspberry Pi Foundation becoming a corporate member of it
"The two organisations will work together to advance our shared goals, using our respective assets and capabilities to get many more adults and young people involved in the CoderDojo movement," wrote Raspberry Pi Foundation CEO, Philip Colligan who will join the CoderDojo board.
"The Raspberry Pi Foundation will also provide practical, financial, and back-office support to the CoderDojo Foundation."
