Pascal Siakam's foundation launches coding program for kids

Birthdays are typically celebrated by receiving gifts, but on Pascal Siakam’s 27th birthday, the Toronto Raptors forward announced he and his PS43 Foundation were doing a little giving.

On Friday, Siakam announced that his foundation, along with Penny Appeal Canada, were launching ‘Coding for Champions,’ a coding program for kids in Toronto.

Sixty kids from Toronto’s Queen Victoria Public School and Parkdale Jr. & Sr. Public School will receive a laptop, backpack, hoodie and other supplies, according to the PS43 Foundation press release. The goal of the program is to break down digital barriers kids with a fascination for coding face in exploring their passion.

The students participating in the initiative were selected by each school’s respective principal, who selected kids that have demonstrated an interest in coding. The program will be 10 weeks long and will run between April and June 2021.

According to the PS43 website, the organization’s mission is to “empower children through education, life skills and mentorship while inspiring them to set any goal despite where their journey may begin or what societal impediments they may face.”

Kudos to Siakam and everyone involved with this great project, what a great way to celebrate a birthday.

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