chore: add 2026 content strategy and initiative briefs

Author: campey

content-strategy/2026-plan.md

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+# CoderLevelUp — 2026 Site Update Plan
+
+## Context
+
+This is the Jekyll source for [coderlevelup.org](https://coderlevelup.org), built on the Jasper2 theme (Ghost Casper port), deployed via GitHub Actions to GitHub Pages.
+
+The site is being updated to reflect CoderLevelUp's current portfolio of initiatives. The tagline stays: **"Levelling up our coding community, in Africa."**
+
+All initiative background is in `content-strategy/initiatives/`. Read the relevant file before writing any post or tag page.
+
+> **Note for Claude Code:** `content-strategy/` is excluded from Jekyll builds via `_config.yml`. If that exclude entry is missing, add it before doing anything else.
+
+---
+
+## _config.yml — Check First
+
+Ensure this is in the exclude list:
+
+```yaml
+exclude:
+  - content-strategy/
+```
+
+---
+
+## Task 1 — Update `_data/tags.yml`
+
+Add entries for all new tags. Follow the existing format exactly. Each tag needs:
+
+- `slug` — matches the tag used in post frontmatter
+- `name` — display name  
+- `description` — 1–2 sentence summary shown on the tag page
+- `cover` — path to cover image (placeholder: `assets/images/covers/[slug].jpg` if not yet available)
+
+**Full tag list:**
+
+| Slug | Name | Status |
+|---|---|---|
+| `codeclub` | Code Club | existing — add description if missing |
+| `coolestprojects` | Coolest Projects | existing — add description if missing |
+| `pico-pathway` | Pico Pathway | NEW |
+| `first` | FIRST | NEW |
+| `ftc` | FTC | NEW |
+| `sapient-rocks` | SAPIENT | NEW |
+| `mars-yard` | Mars Yard | NEW |
+| `loco-auv` | LoCO AUV | NEW |
+| `coderetreat` | CodeRetreat | existing — add description if missing |
+| `devdev` | devdev | existing — add description if missing |
+
+---
+
+## Task 2 — Create Tag About Pages
+
+For each tag, create a page at `tag/[slug].html` using the layout and frontmatter convention already in use for existing tag pages. Check existing ones before writing new ones.
+
+Typical pattern:
+
+```yaml
+---
+layout: tag
+tag: ftc
+title: "FTC"
+description: "..."
+cover: assets/images/covers/ftc.jpg
+permalink: /tag/ftc/
+---
+```
+
+Create one for every tag in the list above that doesn't already have one.
+
+---
+
+## Task 3 — Create New Posts
+
+One introductory post per new initiative minimum. Posts live in `_posts/` with filename `YYYY-MM-DD-slug.md`.
+
+Check existing posts for frontmatter conventions before writing. Typical pattern:
+
+```yaml
+---
+layout: post
+current: post
+cover: assets/images/covers/ftc.jpg
+navigation: True
+title: "Post Title"
+date: 2026-03-01 10:00:00
+tags: [ftc, first]
+class: post-template
+subclass: 'post tag-ftc'
+author: campey
+---
+```
+
+**Posts to create:**
+
+| Initiative | Brief |
+|---|---|
+| Pico Pathway | `content-strategy/initiatives/pico-pathway.md` |
+| FIRST | `content-strategy/initiatives/first.md` |
+| FTC | `content-strategy/initiatives/ftc.md` |
+| SAPIENT | `content-strategy/initiatives/sapient-rocks.md` |
+| Mars Yard | `content-strategy/initiatives/mars-yard.md` |
+| LoCO AUV | `content-strategy/initiatives/loco-auv.md` |
+
+---
+
+## Task 4 — Update the About Page
+
+File: `about/index.html` or `about/index.md` — check what exists.
+
+See `content-strategy/initiatives/about.md` for full updated content brief.
+
+---
+
+## Task 5 — Landing Page Ordering
+
+The landing page surfaces the most recent posts. Set post dates to achieve this audience journey top-to-bottom:
+
+1. Code Club / kids coding
+2. Coolest Projects
+3. Pico Pathway Kit
+4. FTC — volunteering angle
+5. SAPIENT — Mars Yard & lectures
+6. LoCO AUV — community builds
+7. CodeRetreat
+8. devdev
+
+---
+
+## Repo Conventions
+
+- Primary author: `campey` (defined in `_data/authors.yml`)
+- Read existing posts before writing new ones — follow their frontmatter patterns exactly
+- Check `_data/tags.yml` before adding tags — avoid duplication
+- Cover images: `assets/images/` — use descriptive filenames
+- Do not modify `.travis.yml` — CI is now GitHub Actions (`.github/workflows/`)
+- Verify locally with `bundle exec jekyll serve` before committing

content-strategy/initiatives/about.md

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+# About Page Update Brief
+
+## File to Update
+
+`about/index.html` (or `about/index.md` — check what exists in the repo)
+
+## Current State
+
+The about page currently covers CoderLevelUp's original scope: Code Club, CoderDojo, Coolest Projects, CodeRetreat, devdev.
+
+## What to Update
+
+Expand the about page to reflect the full current scope of CoderLevelUp. Keep the tagline: **"Levelling up our coding community, in Africa."**
+
+## Suggested Structure
+
+### Opening
+
+CoderLevelUp has been growing the coding community in Africa since [year]. What started as coding clubs for young people has grown into a broad ecosystem — from beginner learners picking up their first Pico kit, to competitive robotics teams heading to world championships, to planetary science researchers inspiring the next generation of explorers, to professional developers sharpening their craft.
+
+### For Young Coders
+
+**Code Club** — Free volunteer-led coding clubs for young people, aligned to the DBE Coding & Robotics curriculum. [link]
+
+**Coolest Projects** — The world's leading technology showcase for young people, run in South Africa since 2020. [link]
+
+**Pico Pathway Kit** — Our hardware starter kit, available from PiShop for R199.90. Six projects, one kit, endless possibilities. [link]
+
+### Robotics
+
+**FIRST / FTC** — We support First Tech Challenge teams in the Western Cape through IGNITE Robotics International — including 2024 World Champions Texpand. [link]
+
+### Science & Exploration
+
+**SAPIENT** — The South African Planetary Institute for Exploring Nature with Technology. Co-founded with Dr. Matthew Huber, SAPIENT uses planetary science to inspire learners and communities. [link]
+
+**Mars Yard** — A simulated Martian landscape in Cape Town where learners run code on real rovers. [link]
+
+### Ocean Robotics
+
+**LoCO AUV** — A community building a low-cost open-source autonomous underwater vehicle. Monthly build events, open to all. Communities build robots and robots build communities. [link]
+
+### For Professional Developers
+
+**CodeRetreat** — Day-long deliberate practice events for developers. Cape Town chapter since 2012. [link]
+
+**devdev** — A working group under IITPSA developing professional developers in South Africa. [link]
+
+---
+
+## Tone
+
+Warm, proud, community-first. This page should feel like a welcoming overview — not a corporate brochure. Someone landing here should immediately see something they want to get involved with.
+
+## Author
+
+campey (David Campey)

content-strategy/initiatives/codeclub.md

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+# Initiative: Code Club
+
+## Tags
+`codeclub`
+
+## What It Is
+
+Code Club is a global network of free, volunteer-led coding clubs for young people aged 9–13. CoderLevelUp is the regional growth partner for Code Club in the Western Cape / South Africa, supporting clubs aligned to the Raspberry Pi Foundation's project pathways.
+
+Code Club sits at the heart of CoderLevelUp's mission — it's the entry point for most young coders, and directly supports the rollout of the Department of Basic Education (DBE) Coding & Robotics curriculum.
+
+## Angle for the Site
+
+- Entry-level, welcoming, aimed at teachers, parents, and learners
+- Emphasise: free, volunteer-run, curriculum-aligned
+- Link to: DBE curriculum, Raspberry Pi Foundation project pathways
+- Connect to: Pico Pathway Kit (the hardware complement to Code Club)
+
+## Key Links
+
+- https://codeclub.org
+- https://projects.raspberrypi.org/en (project pathways)
+- https://coderlevelup.org/codeclub (existing page — review and update)
+
+## Existing Content on Site
+
+- `/codeclub` — About Code Club (exists, may need refresh)
+- `/codeclub-resources` — Resources page (exists)
+
+## Suggested Posts / Content Actions
+
+- Review and refresh the existing `/codeclub` about page
+- Ensure the `codeclub` tag has a description in `_data/tags.yml`
+- Any new posts should emphasise the DBE curriculum connection and link to the Pico Pathway Kit
+
+## Tag Description (for `_data/tags.yml`)
+
+> Free volunteer-led coding clubs for young people, aligned to the DBE Coding & Robotics curriculum. CoderLevelUp supports Code Club across the Western Cape.

content-strategy/initiatives/coderetreat.md

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+# Initiative: CodeRetreat
+
+## Tags
+`coderetreat`
+
+## What It Is
+
+A coderetreat is a day-long event for experienced developers — pair programming with new people, sharing practices, and deliberate practice far from the pressure of getting things done. CoderLevelUp has been running coderetreats in Cape Town since 2012, with approximately 20 retreats to date.
+
+CodeRetreat is part of the global [coderetreat.org](https://coderetreat.org) movement. The Global Day of CodeRetreat runs annually, with developers from around the world participating simultaneously.
+
+## Past Events on Site
+
+- Global Day of CodeRetreat 2021 (Nov 12–13)
+- 48 Hour Global Day of CodeRetreat 2022 (virtual, space-station format)
+
+## Audience
+
+Experienced developers (adults primarily, occasionally younger — youngest participant was 12). Anyone who writes code professionally and wants to improve their craft.
+
+## Angle for the Site
+
+- Professional development through deliberate practice
+- Community of practice — meet other developers, learn new approaches
+- Part of the `devdev` ecosystem (professional developer development)
+- Cape Town tech community anchor event
+
+## Key Links
+
+- https://coderetreat.org
+- https://coderlevelup.org/coderetreat (existing about page — review)
+- https://coderlevelup.org/globaldayofcoderetreat2022-48hr
+- https://coderlevelup.org/globaldayofcoderetreat2021
+
+## Content Actions
+
+- Ensure `coderetreat` tag has a description in `_data/tags.yml`
+- Review existing about page — likely fine, may need minor refresh
+- Any future event posts should use the `coderetreat` tag
+
+## Tag Description (for `_data/tags.yml`)
+
+> Day-long deliberate practice events for developers — pair programming, new partners, no pressure to ship. CoderLevelUp has hosted coderetreats in Cape Town since 2012, including the global 48-hour event.

content-strategy/initiatives/coolestprojects.md

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+# Initiative: Coolest Projects
+
+## Tags
+`coolestprojects`
+
+## What It Is
+
+Coolest Projects is the world's leading technology fair for young people, run by the Raspberry Pi Foundation. CoderLevelUp has organised the South African edition since 2020 — making it the first and longest-running instance in Africa. The event is a showcase (like a science fair) where young people present technology projects they've built themselves.
+
+2025 was the sixth South African edition.
+
+## Angle for the Site
+
+- Celebratory, inspiring, community-facing
+- Emphasise: young people building real things, open to all skill levels
+- Audience: parents, teachers, learners, sponsors, volunteers
+- Connect to: Code Club (where many participants come from)
+
+## Key Links
+
+- https://coolestprojects.org
+- https://coderlevelup.org/coolestprojects2025 (existing — most recent)
+- https://coderlevelup.org/coolestprojects2024
+
+## Existing Content on Site
+
+Posts exist for 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025. These are in good shape. Focus on:
+- Ensuring the `coolestprojects` tag has a proper description
+- Making sure the 2025 post is featured / prominent on the landing page
+
+## Tag Description (for `_data/tags.yml`)
+
+> The world's leading technology showcase for young people, run in South Africa since 2020. CoderLevelUp organises the annual Cape Town edition, now in its sixth year.

content-strategy/initiatives/devdev.md

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+# Initiative: devdev
+
+## Tags
+`devdev`
+
+## What It Is
+
+devdev is a working group focused on developing professional developers. It operates under IITPSA (Institute of Information Technology Professionals South Africa) — the professional body for IT professionals in South Africa.
+
+**devdev's primary goal:** Make it easier to employ and be employed in the software development profession in South Africa.
+
+## Audience
+
+Professional software developers, hiring managers, HR professionals, people entering the tech profession.
+
+## Angle for the Site
+
+- The professional / adult dimension of CoderLevelUp's work
+- Complements CodeRetreat as a pro developer community touchpoint
+- IITPSA connection gives it professional credibility
+- Practical: pathways into and through the profession
+
+## Key Links
+
+- https://iitpsa.org.za
+- https://coderlevelup.org/devdev (existing page — review)
+
+## Content Actions
+
+- Ensure `devdev` tag has a description in `_data/tags.yml`
+- Review existing about page — may need minor refresh to reflect current status
+- Link to CodeRetreat as the community practice complement
+
+## Tag Description (for `_data/tags.yml`)
+
+> A working group under IITPSA developing professional developers in South Africa — making it easier to employ and be employed in the software profession.

content-strategy/initiatives/first.md

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+# Initiative: FIRST
+
+## Tags
+`first`
+
+## What It Is
+
+FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a global robotics organisation founded by inventor Dean Kamen. It runs a family of youth robotics competitions at different age levels and skill tiers:
+
+- **FLL Discover** (ages 4–6)
+- **FLL Explore** (ages 6–10)
+- **FLL Challenge** (ages 9–16) — Lego robotics
+- **FTC** (ages 12–18) — First Tech Challenge (CoderLevelUp's primary focus)
+- **FRC** (ages 14–18) — First Robotics Competition
+
+FIRST's mission: inspire young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering, and technology skills.
+
+## Angle for the Site
+
+- FIRST is the umbrella; FTC is the specific programme CoderLevelUp supports
+- Use `first` tag for content about the FIRST organisation broadly, SA context, and the volunteering ecosystem
+- Emphasise: mentorship model, real engineering skills, global competition pathway
+- South Africa context: growing FIRST community, Western Cape teams are competitive internationally
+
+## Key Links
+
+- https://firstinspires.org
+- https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/ftc
+- https://www.ignite-robotics.co.za (IGNITE Robotics International — SA coordinator)
+
+## Post to Write
+
+**Title:** FIRST Robotics in South Africa — Why We're Getting Involved
+
+**Key points:**
+- What FIRST is and why it matters
+- The ladder from FLL through FTC to FRC
+- CoderLevelUp's role: supporting teams, volunteering, community building
+- IGNITE Robotics as the SA coordinator
+- Call to action: volunteer, sponsor, follow the teams
+
+## Tag Description (for `_data/tags.yml`)
+
+> FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) runs world-class youth robotics programmes from Lego FLL through to the First Tech Challenge. CoderLevelUp supports the FIRST community in South Africa.