Skema coach wins Nordic award

Ylfa Matthildur Seljan Helgadóttir, a coach at Skema, recently received the Future Innovator award in the 15-and-under category from Girls in Tech Nordic. The award was presented at a ceremony in Stockholm, but since Ylfa was not able to attend, a video of her acceptance speech was played.

The award has now arrived in Iceland, and Skema administrators visited Ylfa at Austurbæjarskóli, where she is in 10th grade, and presented it to her.

Ylfa teaches creative programming courses for children aged 4–16 at Skema. The courses combine technology and creativity through various games and projects, both on computers and in other ways that require imagination. “For example, using tools like Scratch is great – it’s so much fun to see the kids’ ideas come to life and see their interest ignite,” says Ylfa.

Working at Skema has given Ylfa valuable experience and strengthened her in many ways. “I have learned an incredible amount from teaching the kids. Each group is different, and it is very rewarding to watch them grow and learn.”

Despite her keen interest in programming, Ylfa aims to become either a doctor or a midwife in the future. However, she believes that her experience at Skema will be useful no matter what she decides to do.

“Although few people may associate programming with medicine, digital solutions are becoming increasingly important in the healthcare system, and it is very good to build on this experience. The knowledge I have gained from Skema will always benefit me.”

Skema is very pleased with Ylfa’s achievements. She is considered a role model for her fellow trainers and students, known for her positive attitude, creativity, and ambition. Her contribution shows how powerful it can be to create an environment where young people can try technology on their own terms.