Six months after donating equipment to a children's shelter – a space for children from vulnerable groups in Novi Sad – we revisited the shelter to see the impact this support has had on their daily lives. We spoke with Nikola, one of the children's shelter administrators, who shared honest insights about the importance of access to digital tools, how the children are using them and what more can be done.
How has the donated equipment helped in everyday activities, and in what ways do children most often use computers – for learning, research, or entertainment?
“It has helped us a lot, honestly,” Nikola begins. “The children use the equipment for learning, research, but mostly for entertainment. The Xbox is always in use, and we really take care of it.”
How many children currently use the donated equipment, and how many children are there overall at the children's shelter?
“As of December 31st, we finished services with 839 children. Currently, there are between 40 and 60 users in the shelter on a daily basis. We work from 8 AM to 8 PM, and children go through children's shelter all day.”
In what ways do children use computers to collaborate, help each other, or engage in activities?
“Well, they help each other, honestly, mostly with social media, but certainly with other things too.😊 Soon we’ll be collaborating with an IT specialist who will hold a workshop for them on how to create an email and similar things. We’ve also collaborated with a math teacher who showed them how to create avatars, and they used them afterwards. That was a real opportunity to use computers and for the children to work together and learn something new.”
Have you noticed that some children discover special interests or talents through working with computers?
“Yes, they have. Many children have a talent for drawing or singing, but I’ve also noticed some talents related to computers. I regret that we can’t dedicate more time to this area—honestly, I think we lack that part, to educate them more about computers and other skills, and that’s something we should work on in the future.”
Are there any children who clearly show a special enthusiasm for technology?
“I think some of them, when it comes to computers and technology, would prefer to acquire basic knowledge independent of school. That’s why we organized courses for a while, like basic Word skills, using the internet, searching for web addresses, and similar skills. The children really adapted well to that and were thrilled when they received certificates and awards.”
How would you like to further develop educational activities in children's shelter?
“We are trying, in addition to the primary schools, to involve as many organizations as possible from the non-governmental sector and other institutions and associations, where children can gain knowledge outside the school environment.”
How important is it that children have access to modern technology in a space like a children's shelter?
“It is very important. Aside from places like children's shelter, some children often don’t have access to computers or phones. They don’t have access to such technology, which further deprives them of many opportunities for learning and development. That’s why it’s extremely important that places like this provide children with access to technology.”
Is there anything that would make your work easier in the future?
“We’re always in need of computers and a color printer, which we’ve been trying to acquire for a long time, but unfortunately, we haven’t succeeded yet. It doesn’t have to be new; it just needs to be functional because we often print different materials for the children, which makes them very happy. In addition to technical equipment, we are always in need of clothing, diapers and baby supplies.”
Join the Effort – Help Us Empower Children
At children's shelter, every donation counts. You don’t need to make a big gesture to make a big impact. We believe every child deserves the chance to explore, learn and grow in a supportive environment.
We invite everyone to consider donating to a children's shelter. Together, we can ensure that children from marginalized backgrounds have the tools and opportunities they need for a brighter future.
To learn more or to donate to children's shelter: svratistezadecuimlade@gmail.com
In celebration of International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we interviewed some of our talented female software engineers. Their unique perspectives and inspiring journeys into the world of IT highlight the importance of diversity in tech and the impact women have in shaping the future of the industry. In this article, they share their personal stories, motivations, and advice for the next generation of women pursuing careers in programming.
How did you get interested in programming and what inspired you to enter the IT world?
I've always been inclined towards science, and I've been particularly fascinated by mathematics – so much so that I thought I'd become a math professor. What attracted me to mathematics – logical thinking, problem analysis and the pleasure of finding a solution – I also recognized in programming, which I first encountered in high school. That feeling of solving challenges and creating something functional through code immediately won me over and directed me towards the IT world.
Jelena
I've always loved logic and problem solving, but I didn't know right away that programming was the right choice. It wasn't until I first encountered it that I realized how much I enjoyed creating something from scratch. I like the feeling of writing code that works.
Milica
What advice would you give to girls who are considering a career in programming?
We've all been beginners at some point – Start with small projects, learn through practice, and don't wait until you're 'ready enough'. Mistakes are definitely part of the process, there are no stupid questions, and every line of code contributes to your experience.
Milica
Who has been your inspiration or role model in your career?
I didn't have a specific role model, but I was lucky enough to work with people who, through examples and mentorship, showed me how to think differently and progress. I've been more inspired by situations than individuals – for example, when I see someone quickly solve a problem in a way I wouldn't have thought of, it motivates me to learn and grow.
Sara
What are the most important aspects of working in IT and what motivates you the most in your day-to-day work?
Every day brings something new – new challenges, new knowledge and the opportunity to work with great people from different cultures and backgrounds. The dynamism of this job and the constant development are what motivate me the most. Also, the feeling when we solve a problem and make the client's job easier, knowing that we have done something useful, is priceless and further encourages me to be even better at what I do.
Tatjana
The best part is that I'm constantly learning something new and being able to see the concrete results of my work. I also like that problems can be solved in many ways and that gives a lot of room for creativity. What motivates me the most is when I see that what I design or propose really helps people and makes their work easier.
Sara
The insights shared by our colleagues are a powerful reminder of the talent, resilience, and passion that women bring to the tech industry. As we continue to break barriers and inspire the next generation of women in science and technology, their stories are proof that there’s no limit to what can be achieved with dedication and determination. On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we celebrate not only their achievements but also the bright future they’re helping to build.
As we reflect on the year that has passed, the ICodeFactory team collectively agrees that 2024 has been both a year of great challenges and significant achievements.
The ever-increasing pace of technological development, especially within the field of Artificial Intelligence, has dramatically transformed the industry landscape. These changes have required a constant process of adaptation and learning to stay ahead of the curve. As difficult as that might sound, we are pleased to say that our team has not only faced these challenges head-on, but has also emerged successful, regularly producing exceptional results. Our ability to maintain and strengthen long-term relationships with our partners speaks volumes about the confidence they place in us year after year. This ongoing trust reflects our dedication to delivering value, even in the most challenging circumstances. As the world around us continues to change, our commitment to excellence remains a cornerstone of our success.
The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence; it is to act with yesterday's logic. – Peter Drucker
Adapting to Change: Maximizing Our Strengths
In the last year, our team has relied heavily on one of its core strengths – flexibility. As we navigated the dynamic market, it became increasingly clear that change was the only constant. While we faced many challenges, we rose to the occasion by cultivating a culture of resilience and adaptability. Every market shift became an opportunity for us to grow and fine-tune our processes, to ensure that we remained competitive.
Our proactive attitude allowed us to anticipate the needs of our clients and develop solutions that not only addressed their current challenges, but also prepared them for the future. This approach helped preserve the integrity of our work and uphold our reputation as a trusted partner.
Nurturing Talent: Investing in Future growth
Our ongoing success can also be attributed to the emphasis we place on developing the next generation of talent. We are aware that people are our greatest asset, which is why we foster an environment focused on growth, learning, and mentorship.
In the past year alone, we have provided many successful internships and training programs aimed at empowering young professionals. These efforts have been invaluable in providing emerging talent with the tools and experience necessary for a successful career, whether in technology or non-technical fields. By encouraging ownership of their learning, we aim to shape tomorrow's leaders.
However, the learning process is never one-sided. We believe that both mentors and mentees equally benefit from the exchange of ideas and knowledge. This give-and-take has been one of the drivers of our growth, inspiring us to continuously better our approach.
Looking Ahead: A Continued Journey of Progress and Innovation
As we reflect on our achievements in 2024, we cannot help but feel a sense of pride for what we have accomplished. However, we also recognize that our work is far from complete. We are not content to simply meet the expectations set before us; we are constantly seeking ways to improve and refine our approach. The journey of growth and progress is an ongoing one, and because of that, we are focused on remaining adaptable, exploring modern technologies, and expanding our capabilities. We see every challenge as a step toward progress.
As we approach our two-decade anniversary, we remain committed to delivering high-quality software solutions, creating long-standing partnerships, and inspiring innovation for years to come. Our vision for the future is clear: continue to push the limits and keep building meaningful relationships that help our clients succeed in their endeavors. The road ahead is filled with opportunities, and we are ready to take on whatever comes next.
From all of us at ICodeFactory, we wish you a joyful holiday season filled with peace, success, and new opportunities!
Warm regards,
The ICodeFactory Team
