2.4.2024
"Smart Solutions for a Barrier-Free World" is the theme of the eighth Generation NOW by Hrvatski Telekom
- This year's Generation NOW program of STEM education and development of critical skills involves 900 children and 90 educational institutions across Croatia.
- Participants will focus on digital inclusivity and creating technological solutions to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.
The eighth Generation NOW has commenced. It is a national program for the education of children and youth Hrvatski Telekom organized in collaboration with the Institute for Youth Development and Innovation (IRIM). Nine hundred children participating in the program this year will work on projects aimed at helping people with disabilities overcome various daily challenges.
Students from 90 institutions, including elementary and high schools, associations, and educational institutions promoting STEM knowledge across Croatia, will participate in the program this school year. Since it started years ago, over 4,000 children and young people across Croatia and over 360 educational institutions have participated in the Generation NOW program.
Croatia has more than 650,000 people living with disabilities; 48% are senior citizens over 65 years of age, 41% are working age, and 11% are children and youngsters. However, a World Health Organization and UNICEF report estimates that by 2030, more than 2.5 billion people will need at least one assistive technology solution. Unfortunately, one billion people with disabilities lack access to the necessary technologies.
Generation NOW participants will have complete freedom in choosing solutions under the theme "Smart Solutions for a Barrier-Free World" when developing projects to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.
"Everyone deserves equal opportunities to live to their full potential. We believe in this and advocate for it at Hrvatski Telekom because digital technologies play an important role. Moreover, they have the power to help create such a society of equals. This year's Generation NOW clearly reflects this by providing children and youth with quality, practical, and modern STEM education and acquiring essential knowledge while addressing the important societal issue of creating a more inclusive society to which all individuals and companies can contribute. Generation NOW has never lacked innovative and creative solutions. We look forward to seeing what young minds will come up with this year," said Igor Vukasović, Corporate Communications Director at Hrvatski Telekom and this year's jury president.
"Excellent and long-standing cooperation between IRIM and Hrvatski Telekom on the Generation NOW project created the region's largest Internet of Things educational project. Through it, we have equipped more than 360 educational institutions with attractive equipment and educated more than 500 teachers and mentors to pass on their knowledge year after year to new generations of interested students. In Generation NOW, children gain competencies in STEM, digital technologies, problem-solving, and teamwork. Still, more importantly, they become creators of their technological solutions in response to challenges in their communities. I am thrilled and excited to see the projects they come up with this school year," said Paolo Zenzerović, Executive Director of IRIM and one of the jury members.
Other jury members include prominent individuals from the business and education sectors: Boris Drilo, Member of the Management Board and Chief Technology and Chief Information Officer at Hrvatski Telekom; Zlata Paštar, Member of the Board of the Desa & Jerko Fund; Darko Rakić, President of the Association Suradnici u nastavi; Marijana Šarolić Robić, Vice President of the CRO Startup Association; Darijo Jurišić, Ombudsperson for Persons with Disabilities; Josipa Majić, Co-founder of fintech Revuto; Ivan Rimac, Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Barrage.
Elementary and high school students participating in the project will be able to develop concrete projects using Neuron, Arduino, and Dasduino kits and additional DFRobot components schools received within the Generation NOW program. Hrvatski Telekom also provides internet access for all participating institutions.