LocationsSupporting the Development of Digital Skills for Teachers and Students
Caravan "Putujuća Petlja" Kicks off from Kragujevac
October 28, 2024
Kragujevac, October 26, 2024 – Today, the "Putujuća Petlja" set off from the First Gymnasium in Kragujevac. From now until March next year, it will travel to 10 cities across Serbia, aiming to help teachers run computer science classes and to ignite students' interest in programming, as well as in information and communication technologies. The initiative is organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Petlja Foundation, with support from the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the Ministry of Education.
Approximately 20 computer science teachers from all high schools and elementary schools in Kragujevac attended the workshops, along with about 30 students from the First and Second Gymnasiums of Kragujevac, as well as the First and Second Technical Schools of Kragujevac.
The Serbian Minister of Education, Prof. Dr. Slavica Đukić Dejanović, highlighted that schools are crucial in preparing students for a digital future. "This caravan, which will visit ten cities in Serbia from October 2024 to March 2025, represents a vital step towards decentralized education and digital literacy. Digital literacy is not reserved just for the largest cities; it is an opportunity for all students and teachers, wherever they are," said Minister Đukić Dejanović.
During the teacher workshops, experts from the Petlja Foundation showcased their online learning platform, which helps teachers create online classrooms, track student progress, assign homework, create tests, and use built-in AI for lesson preparation.
UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Serbia, Fabrizio Andreuzzi, emphasized the importance of equal access to modern technologies for all students and teachers. "UNDP, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Petlja Foundation, is enhancing the digital literacy and skills of both students and teachers. We have created free online programming materials, organized summer programming schools, and launched the first STE(A)M challenge for high school students, while a new cycle of this challenge is currently underway," said Andreuzzi.
At the student workshops, participants learned basic concepts of 3D modelling and computer graphics using Babylon.js. They also created physical simulations using JavaScript.
"For us, 'Putujuća Petlja' is primarily an opportunity to meet our users in person. We communicate with teachers daily but rarely meet in person. This tour will allow us to visit several Serbian cities, interact with teachers and students, and elevate digital skills together", said Milan Simić, Director of the Petlja Foundation.
After Kragujevac, the "Putujuća Petlja" will visit Niš, Novi Pazar, Subotica, Aranđelovac, Zrenjanin, Čačak, Valjevo, Kruševac, and Sombor until March next year. Identical workshops will be held in each city.
Ivica Momčilović, President of the City Assembly of Kragujevac, noted that the First Gymnasium of Kragujevac was aptly chosen for the launch. "As the oldest gymnasium in Serbia, it successfully integrates traditional and modern learning. In today's rapidly changing tech landscape, it is essential to provide students with opportunities to explore information and communication technologies. This program supports our teaching staff, helping them prepare students to become creative and innovative individuals," said Momčilović.
"The success of our school in informatics is evident from our students taking leading roles in top IT companies worldwide. I wish all participants great success in acquiring new skills and I hope the knowledge gained today will be applied to real-world situations", added Anka Dedović, Deputy Director of the First Gymnasium of Kragujevac.
The "Putujuća Petlja" caravan is part of the "Building the Critical Computer Skills for the Future Ready Workforce" initiative, implemented by UNDP in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the Petlja Foundation, with support from the Government of the Republic of Serbia.
