Schoolchildren are to be introduced to the technology behind cryptocurrency and blockchain at the fourth Code 441 Hackathon on Monday.

Jahde Eve of Code 441, a technology charity, said the free event is aimed at pupils aged between 12 and 17 and will offer young people a hands-on programming experience.

Mr Eve added: “It’s something that I wish I had when I was growing up.

“I didn’t really know programming was a career option and I think if I had known, it would have shaped my priorities differently.

“The world is becoming increasingly technological, and not just for people in the tech industry.

“Every industry in the future will be affected by things like AI or machine learning.”

Mr Eve said the programme will continue to teach basic programming but that today’s event will tackle some hot-button topics, including cryptocurrency.

He said: “What we are trying to do is teach some of the fundamentals of programming and, for some of the more advanced students, give them the opportunity to explore their own programming.

“For the more advanced students, we are also going to be teaching them more about cryptocurrency and blockchain.”

Online-only currencies such as Bitcoin have made headlines in recent months as their value soared.

Mr Eve said blockchain served as a digital ledger for such currencies.

He explained: “Blockchain is the technology that helps the cryptocurrency be what it is. It’s basically a secure online ledger that records transactions across the world.

“A traditional ledger would have one person doing accounts for a business, with the ledger staying with them.

“Blockchain is built on the idea that there should be a public record so anyone can verify the transaction.”

He said pupils at previous hackathons had enjoyed the experience and that the events offered something outside the traditional school curriculum.

Mr Eve said: “When we organised the first hackathon about three years ago, the reaction was awesome. It was something that hadn’t really happened in Bermuda before.”

The Code 441 Hackathon is scheduled to be held today at the XL Group office on Bermudiana Road, starting at 9am.

Those interested in taking part are urged to register online at code441.com.