New network member and a running makers lab initiative

Foundation Tempus has joined the network of FCL Ambassadors in April and is currently in the process of planning its activities in order to support schools in their efforts to improve their teaching and learning practice. The Foundation has been committed to promoting and improving education in Serbia for over 20 years by supporting the development of both organisations and individuals. By being part of the network of FCL ambassadors, it aims to connect schools with different opportunities and provide them with support in developing their own innovative learning spaces and approaches.

While schools in Serbia are able to take part in national and European programmes and initiatives to both develop the competences of their staff and pupils as well as receive equipment and other resources, so far there has not been a systematic and concerted effort aimed at helping schools introduce innovative learning labs that would significantly impact and innovate the teaching approach and opportunities for learning. There has been an uptick in the development of different innovative learning spaces in schools in Serbia recently. These initiatives are often smaller and more localised, relying on schools’ individual efforts to apply for funding or receive equipment from local and national authorities, companies, or programmes like Erasmus+.

In late 2022, however, four organisations launched a more overarching initiative with the aim of providing secondary schools with the equipment for a dedicated space within the school that would act as a makers lab. With the help of partner companies, the Center for the Promotion of Science, Digital Serbia Initiative, Junior Achievement Serbia and the Nordeus Foundation have so far provided 14 secondary schools with the equipment to facilitate multidisciplinary learning and promote science and technology among young people.

An additional call is currently open for secondary schools, including both VET providers and grammar schools, to apply to take part in this initiative. More information can be found here.

Author: Milica Pupavac