“Together for Children” | NKUA: Innovative Educational Program Titled “STEM Education and Soft Skills”
A significant collaboration begins between the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and “Together for Children” for an innovative educational program titled “STEM Education and Soft Skills”. The program was designed by the Pedagogical Department of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in cooperation with “Together for Children” and will start in October 2024.
On Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at the Propylaea of the University of Athens, in the presence of the Rector, Professor Mr. Gerasimos Siassos, the Vice President of the Administrative Council, Professor Mr. Nikolaos Thomaidis, the Vice Rector of Research, Innovation and Lifelong Learning, Associate Professor Mr. Christos Karayiannis, the Dean of the School of Education Sciences, Professor Mr. Thomas Babalios, and the President of “Together for Children”, Mrs. Alexandra Martinou, the collaboration of the organizations for the implementation of this pioneering program was finalized.
The aim of the program is to educate primary and secondary school students in STEM practices (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), as well as in digital and soft skills that holistically develop the individual in terms of knowledge, skills/abilities, and life attitudes.
The program is designed so that the four scientific fields are taught as a single learning experience and not as separate and distinct subjects. The lessons will take place in the Laboratories of the Pedagogical Department of Primary Education at the Marasleio Teaching School, and the joy of learning will emerge experientially, with the solving of real problems combining knowledge from the four fields. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to practice soft skills that will help them develop socially and emotionally in a way that will strengthen their confidence and social integration.
The Rector of NKUA, Professor Mr. Gerasimos Siassos, emphasized that “NKUA, the largest and oldest university in the country, has a long tradition in education, covering almost two centuries. We are particularly pleased to participate in this innovative student education program in cooperation with the NGO ‘Together for Children’. Crucial for the success of this venture is the presence of President Mrs. Alexandra Martinou and the School of Education Sciences and its Dean, Mr. Thomas Babalios.”
Mrs. Alexandra Martinou, President of “Together for Children”, on the occasion of the signing of the cooperation, stated that “Our collaboration with NKUA is an important step towards enhancing the education of our children in critical areas such as STEM. The ‘STEM Education and Soft Skills’ program aims to equip children and young people with knowledge, skills/abilities, and attitudes that will help them meet modern challenges and achieve their goals. Through this initiative, we provide students with the right tools to claim the future they dream of.”
