Empowering the Baltics: Code Week Achievements from the Baltic Hub
17/09/25
Over the past year, the Code Week Baltic Hub, led by the Latvian Information and Communications Technology Association (LIKTA), accelerated digital skills and education through the Code4Europe project. As National Digital Skills Coalition coordinator in Latvia, LIKTA worked with Langas į ateitį, the coalition coordinator in Lithuania, to rally the whole digital-skills community behind coding activities for young people.
In July 2024, LIKTA joined Code4Europe, reinforcing Latvia’s commitment to digital education. Since then, the Baltic Hub has run activities that spark curiosity in coding, cybersecurity, AI, and digital creativity for both students and teachers.
Opening Event: CodeWeek 2024 Kick-Off Conference
To launch the 2024 edition of EU Code Week, LIKTA hosted a hybrid opening conference on 11 October with RTU Riga Business School and Datorium EdTech. Teachers from across Latvia gathered to focus on digital competence in modern education.
Keynotes by LIKTA President Signe Bāliņa and Edgards Plētiens from the Ministry of Education and Science set the tone, followed by hands-on training and workshops on using AI in the classroom.
AI and Innovation in Education: “Idea Day” Conference
During EU Code Week in October, more than 180 educators met for “Idea Day,” a deep dive into meaningful AI use in education. Participants joined 14 practical workshops to try AI tools for lesson planning, integrate computational thinking into everyday activities, and strengthen digital literacy.
The result: educators left with concrete strategies and ready-to-use materials to bring cutting-edge tools to their students.
Girls in Tech: PyGirls Training and Hackathon “Hello, Future!”
Inclusion stayed front and center. Together with Datorium EdTech, Baltic Hub ran the PyGirls program, encouraging 100+ girls in Latvia and Lithuania to learn Python over three months. The journey culminated in the “Sveika, nākotne!” (Hello, Future!) hackathon, where teams built real-world solutions.
Stakeholders, from leading IT companies to municipalities and NGOs supporting women in tech, backed the event. As part of the #GirlsinDigital campaign, two winning teams (one from Latvia and one from Lithuania) advanced to the European finals—and the Lithuanian team won 1st place at the EU Code Week Hackathon Finals 2024!
Cybersecurity for the Future
Recognizing the need for online safety, LIKTA hosted the 16 April 2025 online discussion, “Cybersecurity – today’s necessity, cybersecurity technician – a promising career choice.” Students, teachers, and IT experts explored threats, opportunities, and pathways into cybersecurity. Speakers from schools and universities highlighted growing demand and guided young people toward this dynamic field.
Strengthening the Community
Our educator network keeps expanding. In Latvia, three new leading teachers joined, bringing fresh ideas and momentum. In Lithuania, ten new leading teachers came on board this spring. These leaders mentor peers, promote digital skills in schools, and help shape the future of coding education. We look forward to growing the community even further in the year ahead.
Lasting Impact and Looking Ahead
This year’s results speak for themselves: the Baltic Hub helped organize 1,500+ Code Week events across Latvia and Lithuania, reaching 56,000+ young people aged 5–25, including 28,883 girls and young women. Teachers built confidence in AI and coding, while students discovered digital careers and new ways to create with technology.
Through Code4Europe, the Baltic Hub isn’t just running events, it’s shaping the future of digital education in the region. And with this year’s small-grants programme, EU Code Week will support even more creative, community-driven projects.
Get involved: add your activity to the EU Code Week map, share your story with #EUCodeWeek, and help us inspire the next generation of creators!
