Redefining possibilities: Presenting inclusive coding education at the Council of Europe Forum

Dragana Babić is a pioneering tech leader from Bosnia and Herzegovina and the CEO of the First International CyberSchool of the Future – KIBERone Banja Luka.

She is an award-winning community STEM educator, recognized for her impact on digital education and inclusion. Dragana holds the distinction of being the first woman from Bosnia and Herzegovina to serve as a Google Women Techmakers Ambassador, a WomenTech Network Country Leader, and a SheCanCode Ambassador — roles she uses to empower youth and women in tech across underrepresented regions. She has been a finalist for prestigious recognitions such as the WomenTech Global Awards, Women Changing the World Awards, and Europe’s Best Digital Changemaker.In 2024, she was one of only 12 Google’s Women Techmakers Ambassadors worldwide featured for International Women’s Day, honored for her outstanding impact on diversity, inclusion, and tech education.

It was a true honor to participate in the inaugural Digital Citizenship Education Forum, titled ‘Let’s Act Now!‘, organized by the Council of Europe on May 27–28, 2025, in Strasbourg, where I represented the community of non-formal educators from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

As the only non-formal education representative from my country, I had the exceptional privilege of showcasing meaningful, inclusive educational resources developed locally at the Forum. Among them was an article I authored and contributed to SheCanCode: “Redefining Possibilities: Empowering a Teen with Down Syndrome to Code.”

The article, selected for physical presentation at the Forum, highlighted how coding education can be tailored to include all learners — regardless of ability — when approached with empathy, patience, and creativity. It shares the story of a teenager with Down syndrome who, through a personalized and supportive approach, gained the confidence to explore and enjoy coding.

One of the most impactful impressions from the Forum was the clear message that every voice matters. Individual stories and community-led efforts were not only welcomed — they were elevated. It was truly inspiring to see this level of institutional recognition for grassroots initiatives.

Having access to platforms that give visibility to such work is incredibly important. Platforms like SheCanCode play a key role in amplifying initiatives that might otherwise remain unseen — and in doing so, they help build a more inclusive and representative digital world.

This experience affirmed something deeply personal: that even from small, often overlooked regions, voices like mine, and stories like this — can spark dialogue and inspire change.

I extend my sincere appreciation to the Council of Europe for creating a space where educators, policymakers, and innovators could unite around a shared vision of inclusive digital citizenship. The Forum was an inspiring, empowering milestone , a reminder that redefining what’s possible begins with the courage to act. True change comes from honest stories shared with bravery — stories that challenge norms and inspire new paths forward. It is the shared courage in spaces like this that transforms our stories into catalysts for change.

Someone, somewhere, is waiting for your story – not because it’s perfect, but because it’s real. And real stories make real change.