our story
Our name comes from the Arabian Nights folktale. Ali Baba’s brother died, trapped in a cave, because he didn’t know the simple code that would have freed him: Open Sesame. That story has been repeated throughout history. When people don’t know the code -- whether literal as in Ali Baba’s case, or figurative as in the unspoken codes that govern social convention -- they’re stuck. They can’t move forward. When it comes to kids today, they’re going to be really stuck if they grow up without knowing computer code. That’s why we started Open Sesame Coding for Kids. We believe that we can get these kids unstuck. Open Sesame may have been a secret code way back when. But computer coding is a not-so-secret code now. When we teach kids to code, we are teaching them to be creators and not just consumers of their world. We are changing their perceptions of who can be good at technology. We are giving them new skills for a new life.
Our Mission
While many organizations teach coding, we are different. Open Sesame is primarily a service organization. We recruit and train high school and college volunteers to teach coding and computer skills to children in homeless shelters and domestic violence shelters. Our mission is to empower underrepresented children in technology and dismantle stereotypes about who can succeed in this field. If you’re a high school or college student passionate about making a difference, join us as we create opportunities for all children to learn and thrive in coding.
why coding still matters in an ai world
In an era where people claim that tools like ChatGPT will soon handle all coding tasks, you might wonder: Is learning to code still valuable? The answer is a resounding yes. While AI can automate certain aspects of coding, understanding how code works is about much more than just writing lines of programming. It’s about problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity.
AI tools can assist with coding, but they can’t replace the need for human insight. Knowing how to code empowers kids to think logically and design solutions tailored to their unique challenges and ideas. It gives them the skills to innovate, to create apps, games, or websites, and to understand the technology that shapes our world. Coding teaches them to take ownership of their projects, collaborate with others, and think through complex issues—all abilities that go beyond what AI can offer.
When kids learn to code, they aren’t just learning a technical skill; they’re building a mindset that prepares them to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world. So while AI may assist them, knowing how to code ensures they remain the creators and decision-makers in the digital age, not just passive users of automated tools.
