Teenager Melisa Deniz has achieved a ‘black belt’ from an international coding franchise – the first girl in the UK to do so

Melisa Deniz with her prize at Code Ninjas in Enfield

A teenager has become the first girl in the UK to win a ‘black belt’ in coding as part of an international programme.

Melisa Deniz, aged 13, only began coding with Code Ninjas in London Road, Enfield Town, last year. In that short time, she has completed the coding workshop’s nine-belt curriculum “with unwavering dedication” and a “genuine passion” for coding – earning her black belt status.

The achievement makes her the first girl to complete the grueling nine-stage course, including modules on JavaScript, Lua in Roblox, and C# in Unity. During the final challenge, Melisa created her own game, which is now downloadable for the public.

Melisa, who has been attending Code Ninjas for less than two years, says she is proud to represent other girls and young women in coding.

“I chose to start with Code Ninjas to increase my skills,” explained Melisa. “In the black belt programme, I embraced the opportunity to think creatively and turn my imaginative ideas into enjoyable games.

“Trying something new can be challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding. If I was going to give advice to any other girls out there, especially those my age, thinking about coding but worrying it might not be for them, I would tell them to be confident in their abilities.

“Pursue your interests with passion and don’t be afraid to stand out. You can achieve remarkable things in any field – including technology and coding!”

Melisa’s black belt game, Snail Ninja Showdown, sees players surviving for as long as they can while using different weapons from the shop, all while trying to get a high score.

Code Ninjas is built around fun; the curriculum is “self-paced but not self-taught”. Kids get help and encouragement from ‘code senseis’ and fellow ninjas as they advance from white to black belt on the nine-belt programme. There are currently around 400 Code Ninjas locations around the world.

Renee Romeo, co-owner of Code Ninjas Enfield, is proud of Melisa and how she is trailblazing for other girls in coding. “We are over the moon for Melisa – she truly deserves the status she has achieved.

”Words can’t express how happy we for her and how proud we all are of her determination and positive attitude while working towards her black belt status. Melisa’s commitment serves as a shining example, and we hope that she’s just the first of many girls who will achieve the black-belt status in Enfield.”

At Code Ninjas, children learn how to code in a “safe, inclusive and social learning environment” where gaming is celebrated. Just six months ago Code Ninjas Enfield celebrated the first UK black-belt coder – Ugur Recber.

“Melisa embodies everything that we stand for at Code Ninjas – commitment, creativity and passion,” explained Bill Marsland, director of education for Code Ninjas.

“Earning your coding black belt at Code Ninjas takes dedication, perseverance, and skill, all of which Melisa has showcased remarkably by pioneering as the first female black-belt ninja in the UK.

“I’m immensely proud of Melisa’s accomplishments and the Code Ninjas Enfield team for breaking new ground, proving that coding isn’t a skill limited to boys. This remarkable achievement highlights the importance of encouraging girls to learn and excel in coding, and I eagerly anticipate the day when more ninjas across the UK – both boys and girls – will follow Melisa’s accomplishments.”

Play Snail Ninja Showdown online:
Visit: https://forms.codeninjas.com/blackbeltninjas

To learn more about Code Ninjas Enfield:
Visit https://www.codeninjas.co.uk/enfield-london-uk

Dispatch readers are welcome to nominate their own ‘Edmonton Youth Hero’ – an inspirational young person (16 or under) from Edmonton who has made a valuable contribution to their local community. Simply email your nomination to [email protected]

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