Report on the Initial Conference with the „STEM Tech“ project

The Primary school of Ivana Gorana Kovačića Delnice implements the project STEM Tech which is financed by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through the Financial Mechanism of the European Economic Area (EEA) 2014 – 2021 with the national co-financing of the Republic of Croatia within the Program „Local Development and poverty reduction“.

On June 20, 2023, the Initial Conference for the media and public was held at the Ivana Gorana Kovačića Elementary school in Delnice, where the project and its implementations were presented.

The total value of the project amounts to 534,859.94 euros, of which 454,630.95 euros are non-reimbursable donor funds, and 80,228.99 are non-reimbursable national funds. The project partner is the University of Stavanger from Norway. The project is being implemented from September 12, 2022. to March 11, 2024 . The project aims to implement 5 different programs to improve students skills in the STEM field, active citizenship and entrepreneurship, educate 15 educational staff members, equip school with STEM equipment and establish bilateral cooperation with the Norwegian partner throughout the 18 months of the project.

„We are the only school in the Primorje-Gorski kotar County that received support for STEM skills in primary schools. We will equip the school with STEM equipment worth 190,000 euros. In addition to me, 15 school educators are involved in the project, 150 students from 5th to 8ht grade and 34 students with appropriate forms of education. We have achieved successful cooperation with Norwegian partners who transfer their knowledge and experience to us“ emphasized the principal of the school Mladen Bolf. He thanked his team for the effort and work they invest in the project, which is shown in the positive feedback during its implementation.

The head of local self-government, social activities and general affairs as the representative of the City of Delnice, Tomislav Mrle, said that this project will help the development of education in Delnice, and the City supports all primary school projects as much as possible. He emphasized that as local community, despite the negative population trends, we are valuable and capable, which is proven by this project focused on the future of education.

The project coordinator, Adrian Škarica, introduced the participants to the activities in the project and the plan to acquire equipment for the teaching of mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, technical culture, informatics and teaching in general. He pointed out that part of the equipment has already arrived and the rest will be procured during the course of summer. Workshops with Norwegian partners have already been held so far and the continuation will follow in the fall.

The project is realized through 5 programs with lectures and workshops.
In applying STEM to Image and Sound Recording, students will learn to use a GO PRO camera. With the PRO BOT program students will learn about the basics of robotics, 3D models and programming. Through STEM PI they will learn about mathematical formulas and geometric bodies. In STEM LAB they will learn chemistry, physics and biology through various experiments and field research. Responsible Citizens and Small Entrepreneurs aim to introduce students to human rights, the fight against discrimination, volunteering and the world of entrepreneurship.

The EEA financial mechanism and the Norwegian financial mechanism contribute to the reduction of social and economic differences within Europe and strengthen bilateral cooperation between donor countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and the Republic of Croatia.

(Adapted and prepared according to the text on redakcija.hr: Božica Pleše. Prof.)