EU STEM Coalition: Task force meeting to support STEM education in Ukraine
Between November 28 and 30, staff members of the Obuda University STEAM Office, Tamás Kersánszki (Education Developer) and Zoltán Márton (Project Coordinator), representing the Hungarian STEM Platform, participated in a Taskforce Meeting organized by the EU STEM Coalition in Tallinn, Estonia. The aim of the meeting was for coalition members to provide support in shaping the Ukrainian STEM strategy and to offer advisory assistance to enhance the effectiveness of science education during the current wartime period.
In addition to the Hungarian delegation, experts from Australia, the Basque Country, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Flanders, and the Netherlands met at the event, alongside representatives from several Ukrainian ministries, NGOs, and industrial organizations. The participants included numerous STEM education experts with extensive experience in developing and implementing STEM education across Europe.
The objectives of the Taskforce Meeting were the following:
- To gain inspiration from STEM programs and strategies existing across Europe.
- To network and examine how Ukrainian initiatives can connect to current EU initiatives in STEM education.
To generate ideas for a Ukrainian STEM strategy.
Special Emphasis on STEM Education for Girls
Special focus was placed on STEM-related programs for girls, as it is becoming increasingly important in Ukraine for girls to master professions traditionally dominated by men.
Participation of the Hungary STEM Platform
The Hungarian STEM Platform also took part in leading workshops and participating in expert panel discussions. Tamás Kersánszki spoke about building regional strategies, while Zoltán Márton discussed the challenges encountered when creating new STEM programs.
The Taskforce Meeting held in Tallinn was a significant step in supporting Ukrainian STEM education. Participants agreed on the importance of ensuring that Ukrainians continue to have access to high-quality STEM education despite the country being at war. Thanks to this collaboration, Ukrainians will have the opportunity to acquire skills through STEM education that are indispensable for the future.
