Serbia’s educational landscape is undergoing a significant transformation with the ongoing Makers Lab project. With the deadline for the Makers Lab contest fast approaching on October 1, schools across the country are competing to become part of this innovative educational initiative. The project, which currently includes 14 open-catering Makers Labs, will soon expand to 25, with 11 new labs set to open by the end of this year.
Revolutionizing Education in Serbia
Since the launch of the first Makers Lab in October 2022, these creative spaces have become synonymous with creativity, innovation, and learning through experience. Located in 14 secondary schools so far, the labs provide students with access to modern technology and tools, offering them opportunities to experiment and apply knowledge in a hands-on environment. These labs allow students to explore STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), encouraging them to become the creators of their own future.
A Nationwide Expansion
The upcoming expansion, set to be completed by October, will see new Makers Labs open in cities like Pirot, Šabac, Kragujevac, Bajina Bašta, Gornji Milanovac, Novi Sad, Kraljevo, Bač, Svilajnac, Vršac, and Žitorađa. This means that after October, there will be 25 Makers Labs across Serbia, further enriching the country’s education system with cutting-edge learning environments.
Overwhelming Response from Schools
The competition for new schools is already underway, with over 80 schools from more than 50 locations expressing interest in obtaining a Makers Lab. Miloš Đuričanin, Director of Strategy and Development at the Nordeus Foundation, highlighted the enthusiastic response:
“We are extremely satisfied with the great interest that schools across Serbia have shown. For now, more than 80 schools from more than 50 different places want to get their Makers Lab, which speaks to the desire for innovative educational spaces present in our country.”
This growing interest reinforces the belief that these labs will play a crucial role in developing the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the 21st century.
Supporting Teachers and Schools
To better prepare schools for their integration into the Makers Lab network, online info-sessions will be held for interested schools. Teachers or teams who fill out the application on the Makers Lab site will be invited to join these sessions, which will be conducted via video calls. The sessions will offer guidance on the process of building and equipping the labs, as well as provide answers to frequently asked questions.
A Collaborative Effort
The Makers Lab project is a joint initiative by the Group for Education, which includes organizations like the Nordeus Foundation, Youth Achievement in Serbia, the Center for the Promotion of Science, and the Digital Serbia Initiative. Supported by prominent partners such as Henkel, Tarkett, Roma, and Bosch, the project aims to improve education in Serbia by connecting students with modern technologies and innovative learning methods.
Shaping the Future of Learning
Makers Labs go beyond traditional classrooms, creating spaces where ideas are born and innovation thrives. By integrating creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork, the labs empower students to think outside the box and prepare for future challenges. Teachers also benefit, as the labs provide them with the tools to enhance their teaching methods and foster a dynamic learning environment.
As the October 1 deadline approaches, schools have the chance to become part of this groundbreaking initiative. The results of the contest, which will be announced in November, will determine which schools will join the Makers Lab network, further transforming education in Serbia.
With the opening of 11 new labs this year and plans for continued expansion, Serbia’s educational system is evolving to ensure that young people have access to the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the modern world.
