First Primary School Čakovec
Country: Croatia
City: Čakovec
Website: www.prvaoscakovec.eu
About the School
First Primary School Čakovec is a public, non-profit educational institution providing general education for children aged 7 to 15. With 766 students, 79 teachers, and 22 non-teaching staff, the school plays a central role in the local community, offering high-quality education and a wide range of curricular, extracurricular, and field activities.
Our mission is to provide future-oriented education that nurtures students’ intellectual, social, moral, physical, and emotional development according to their abilities and interests. The school fosters inclusive values, supports lifelong learning, and promotes active citizenship.
The school is proud to hold the titles of Digitally Mature School, eTwinning School, and Microsoft Showcase School (2022–2023), reflecting its strong commitment to digital transformation and innovation in education.
Educational Approach
Students are offered:
- Regular, individualized, and adapted programs for children with diverse needs, including those with learning difficulties, attention disorders, vision and hearing impairments, and multiple disabilities such as autism, Down syndrome, or mobility challenges.
- Inclusive practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all learners, including children from immigrant backgrounds (e.g., Ukrainian and Albanian students).
- Rich extracurricular opportunities: robotics, coding, mathematics competitions, arts, sports, cultural projects, and environmental initiatives.
The school also serves as a training center for student teachers from the Faculty of Teachers, contributing to the professional development of future educators.
Projects and Innovation
First Primary School Čakovec has a long-standing tradition of participating in local, national, and international projects. It has successfully implemented over 20 Erasmus+ KA2 projects and holds Erasmus+ accreditation.
Key achievements include:
- Developing and testing curricula in programming, robotics, and artificial intelligence.
- Creating innovative teaching scenarios and digital educational content.
- Disseminating best practices in cybersecurity, AI, and STEAM education.
- Active participation in CODE4EUROPE consortium (Digital Europe Programme).
The school is recognized for initiatives such as First Lego League, World Robot Olympiad, EU Code Week, Safer Internet Day, Green Cleaning, Mathematics Night, Comic Book Exchange, and many more.
Expertise of Key Staff
- Ivana Ružić – Computer science teacher and consultant, multiple award-winner by the Ministry of Education, Erasmus+ project coordinator, EU Code Week Ambassador for Croatia, author of textbooks and professional publications, mentor in national and international competitions in programming, robotics, and AI.
- Ivana Vadlja – Computer science teacher, Erasmus+ project coordinator, Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, with expertise in programming (Python, C++, C#, PHP, HTML, CSS), robotics (micro:bit, Alpha robot, Ozobot, Lego, mBot), and digital content creation.
- Maja Hižman – Computer science teacher
Vision and Mission
The school’s vision and mission emphasize innovation, inclusion, digital transformation, and sustainability, ensuring that every child receives future-ready education and opportunities for personal growth.
University of Zagreb, Faculty of Organization and Informatics
Country: Croatia
City: Varaždin
Website: Faculty of Organization and Informatics (FOI)
About the University
The University of Zagreb (UNIZG) is the largest and oldest university in Croatia, founded in 1669, and today a leading educational and research institution in Central Europe. With 31 faculties, 3 art academies, and several university centres, it offers programmes across all scientific fields – arts, biomedicine, biotechnology, engineering, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences.
The university provides education at all levels – from undergraduate to doctoral studies – for over 62,000 students, supported by thousands of academic and administrative staff. In addition to its strong teaching role, UNIZG is also the most significant research institution in Croatia, contributing more than 50% of the country’s total research output annually.
Faculty of Organization and Informatics (FOI)
Within My Robot, My LearnMate, the Faculty of Organization and Informatics (FOI), located in Varaždin, is the participating partner. FOI is a medium-sized faculty with 3,000 students and 150 staff members. It is recognized as Croatia’s leading higher education institution in the fields of information technology, information sciences, economics, and entrepreneurship.
Active for more than 60 years, FOI has built a reputation for innovative study programmes aligned with international standards, the Bologna principles, and the ECTS system, with a strong focus on e-learning and technology-enhanced education.
Research and Innovation
FOI has extensive experience in EU-funded and national research projects, including Horizon 2020, Erasmus+, FP6/FP7, ESF, ERDF, TEMPUS, Interreg, IPA, and others. Its 2018–2023 Strategy emphasizes research in:
- Information systems of the future
- Internet of Everything
- Economics of entrepreneurship and innovation management
- Management of organizations and business processes
- Educational technologies
- Big data analytics and artificial intelligence
- Information security and open systems
To support this, FOI has established specialized laboratories, uniting researchers, doctoral students, and technical staff.
Expertise Relevant to the Project
Faculty experts bring strong expertise in:
- Educational technologies, digital transformation, and e-learning
- Information systems and decision-making support systems
- Programming, ICT didactics, and computational thinking
- AI, robotics, and digital literacy
- Entrepreneurship and innovation in education
- Inclusion and support for underrepresented groups in ICT
Key Staff
- Prof. Igor Balaban, PhD – Expert in technology-supported learning, personalization in digital environments, and digital transformation of education. Former Vice-Dean for Science, Projects, and International Cooperation at FOI, external expert for the European Commission (DigCompEdu, SELFIE tool), coordinator of numerous EU projects, and member of EDEN NAP Steering Committee.
- Assoc. Prof. Goran Hajdin, PhD – Specialist in didactics, ICT in education, and teacher training. Author of 20+ scientific papers, coordinator of more than 25 national and international projects, and expert in curriculum reforms in informatics. Collaborates with the Croatian Ministry of Science and Education and educational agencies.
- Miran Zlatović, PhD – Senior Lecturer at FOI, researcher in e-learning, online knowledge assessment, and programming. Author of 20+ scientific and professional papers, with experience in 12 national and international projects.
Mission and Vision
The University of Zagreb and its Faculty of Organization and Informatics are committed to excellence in teaching, research, and innovation. Through strong international cooperation and leadership in digital transformation, FOI contributes to shaping the future of education and preparing both students and teachers for the challenges of the digital era.
Center for Training and Education Čakovec
Country: Croatia
City: Čakovec
Website: centar-odgojiobrazovanje-ck.skole.hr
About the Center
The Center for Training and Education Čakovec is the only special educational institution in Međimurje County, dedicated exclusively to students with intellectual and multiple disabilities. Founded in 1971, the Center currently educates 154 students with various developmental difficulties, including cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism, and severe intellectual disabilities.
Students follow individualized educational programs tailored to their abilities. Those with moderate intellectual disabilities continue their education in auxiliary vocational schools, while students with severe intellectual disabilities participate in life skills and work competence programs. All students come from across Međimurje County, making the Center a crucial regional institution for inclusive education.
Educational Approach and Activities
The Center provides not only specialized educational programs but also comprehensive rehabilitation services, including:
- Speech therapy and kinesitherapy
- Assistive technology and ICT training
- Extracurricular and cooperative activities
One of its most notable initiatives is the student cooperative “Fijolica”, where students engage in ceramics, modeling, media production, and nature conservation activities. Through these, they acquire practical work habits and skills for everyday life. The cooperative is well known nationwide for producing the “Oscar of Knowledge”, the prestigious award presented to Croatia’s best students.
The Center is also highly active in community and cultural programs, offering free professional lectures (Center for Community), open days, and outreach activities that support families, educators, and the wider public. Additionally, the Center produces original educational media content – including the podcast “Smart People” and the video series “Hear us, dads and moms” – which are freely available on its YouTube channel.
Innovation and Assistive Technology
The Center integrates modern assistive technologies into daily learning:
- Keyboards with enlarged color keys and adapted mice for students with visual impairments
- Communication devices for non-verbal students
- OSMO learning kits for literacy, vocabulary, and logical thinking
- OZOBOT robots to support graphomotor skills, coding basics, and motivation
- Marty the Robot for interactive learning
- 3D printing to produce clay molds for student cooperative activities
The Center participates in national and international projects such as the ATTEND project, which equips schools with assistive technologies and provides teacher training to ensure high-quality education for students with developmental disabilities.
Staff and Expertise
The Center employs a multidisciplinary team of 61 teachers, 21 teaching assistants, and 15 technical/administrative staff, including special educators, speech therapists, social pedagogues, ICT teachers, librarians, psychologists, art and music teachers, and kinesitherapists. The school also collaborates with the University of Zagreb (Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences and Faculty of Teacher Education) and provides internships and mentoring for university students.
Key Staff:
- Robert Posavec – Librarian and Croatian language teacher, author of books and handbooks on social economy and special education, initiator of the podcast “Smart People” and video series “Hear us, dads and moms”. Manager of cultural programs, public activities, and the school’s YouTube channel.
- Rahela Posavec – Special education teacher with over 15 years of experience working with students with multiple disabilities. Leader of extracurricular cooperative activities, award-winning mentor in creative competitions.
- Anita Marciuš – Experienced speech and language pathologist (19+ years), specialized in oral placement therapy (OPT) and orofacial myofunctional disorders, focusing on enhancing communication and language development in children with special needs.
Mission
In a stimulating, inclusive, and supportive environment, the Center educates and empowers students with disabilities for active participation and coexistence in the community, while strengthening ties between families, schools, and society.
I Społeczna Szkoła Podstawowa im. Unii Europejskiej w Zamościu
Country: Poland
City: Zamość
Website: unia.zam.pl
About the School
The I Społeczna Szkoła Podstawowa im. Unii Europejskiej (I SSP) in Zamość is a non-profit, independent primary school run by a citizens’ association. It educates around 350 students aged 6–15 with the support of over 70 teachers. Located in a predominantly rural region near Poland’s eastern border, the school plays a key role in preparing students for future success by providing modern, high-quality education that enhances both academic achievement and practical skills.
I SSP is consistently ranked among the top schools in Zamość and the Lubelskie region, and in 2023 achieved the 70th position nationwide (out of approximately 12,000 schools) based on final exam results. The school offers a broad curriculum covering mathematics, science, history, literature, IT, art, music, sports, and foreign languages, complemented by innovative teaching methods and extracurricular activities.
Educational Approach and International Dimension
The school emphasizes personal development, creativity, and digital competence, preparing students to face the challenges of the rapidly changing world. It sees international cooperation as an essential tool for introducing innovative educational practices and gaining access to cutting-edge teaching methods, particularly in robotics and Artificial Intelligence.
Through its strong involvement in local, national, and international projects, the school integrates modern technologies into education, bridging the gap in Poland’s core curriculum related to practical AI and robotics learning. Participation in EU projects not only enriches its own teaching practices but also contributes to disseminating innovative educational models across other schools in the region and country.
Experience in Projects
I SSP has a proven record of success in Erasmus+ projects and innovative initiatives, including:
- Personalised Education for Social Activity (focusing on individual learning paths combined with social engagement)
- BiCloCom (digital competences and basic ICT use)
- Smarter… Greener… Safer… (renewable energy and sustainability)
- Mission Maths (practical approaches to mathematics education)
The Zamojskie Towarzystwo Oświatowe, the association running the school, has coordinated projects such as CodeInnova, which developed an international curriculum for teaching coding in primary schools, and participated in projects related to Artificial Intelligence in education.
The school collaborates with local institutions like the Academy of Zamość and Maria Curie-Skłodowska University (UMCS) to organize workshops, provide teacher training, and ensure effective dissemination of project results.
Expertise Relevant to the Project
The school and its teachers are highly skilled in:
- Digital education tools (cloud computing, online platforms, virtual learning systems)
- Curriculum innovation and creation of teaching resources
- Project coordination and management in Erasmus+ and other EU programmes
- ICT and entrepreneurship education
- Language learning and intercultural cooperation
Key Staff
- Dr. Bogusław Klimczuk – Head teacher, PhD in Economic Sciences, graduate of Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg (Germany), expert in international project coordination (LLL, Leonardo da Vinci, EQUAL, POKL).
- Agnieszka Drozda – Chief accountant and finance specialist in POKL and LLL projects.
- Andrzej Garbacik – Deputy head teacher, IT teacher, specialist in cloud computing and virtual platforms.
- Katarzyna Garbacik – IT and entrepreneurship teacher, Erasmus+ project coordinator, awarded with the European Innovative Teaching Award (EITA) in 2022.
- Bogusława Denys – ESL teacher, experienced Erasmus+ project coordinator.
The project team consists of creative, responsible, and forward-looking professionals with extensive expertise in international collaboration, digital innovation, and modern education.
Mission
The school is committed to providing high standards of education, sparking students’ curiosity, developing their digital and entrepreneurial skills, and preparing them for lifelong learning and active citizenship in both local and international contexts.
Berliner Hochschule für Technik (BHT)
Country: Germany
City: Berlin
Website: www.beuth-hochschule.de
About the University
The Berlin University of Applied Sciences (Berliner Hochschule für Technik – BHT) is one of Berlin’s oldest universities of applied sciences and a leading institution in engineering education. With more than 12,370 students from over 70 countries and a teaching portfolio of 70+ STEM programmes at bachelor’s and master’s levels, BHT combines cutting-edge technology, applied research, and a strong focus on inclusion and diversity.
The university has over 50 Erasmus partnerships in Europe and 70+ global cooperation agreements, providing wide opportunities for student and staff mobility across South America, North America, Asia, and Africa.
BHT is recognized as a hub for application-oriented education and innovation, pioneering technology-enhanced learning as a member of the Association of Virtual Universities of Applied Sciences (VFH). Its teaching and research integrate educational robotics, virtual reality, AI tools, and open digital credentials into higher education.
Research and Innovation
BHT’s research is highly interdisciplinary and strongly connected to industry, NGOs, and public institutions. Its research profile focuses on three main areas:
- Health technologies and life sciences
- Data science, artificial intelligence, and communication technologies
- Urban technologies for the city of the future
The university’s eight departments host numerous laboratories where academic research and industrial practice intersect, producing innovations with direct societal and economic impact.
Supporting its innovation ecosystem, the Technology Transfer Department facilitates collaboration between academia, business, and civil society, while the Startup Hub @BHT provides mentoring, co-working spaces, and grants for student and staff entrepreneurial ventures. The Innovation Hub @BHT supports knowledge transfer, networking, patent advice, and industry collaboration.
BHT also participates in major collaborative initiatives such as “Future Finds City – University Network for a Resilient Berlin”, addressing urban challenges with sustainable, co-creative solutions.
Relevant Expertise
BHT has extensive experience in national and international R&D projects with education, industry, and public/private stakeholders.
The university coordinates the Humanoid Robotics and Human-Technology Interaction (HARMONIK) research network, which unites 15 professors from five departments. The network investigates human-centered, secure, and self-determined interactions between humans and humanoid robots in education, healthcare, and industry.
Another key initiative is Data Science+X, which explores AI applications in education, including projects funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) such as:
- DiSEA – analysing success and dropout factors in digital courses
- Students Advice – developing AI tools for personalised study guidance
Key Staff
- Prof. Dr. Ilona Buchem – Professor of Media and Communication, Head of the Communications Lab, member of HARMONIK and Data Science+X. With over 20 years of experience in technology-enhanced learning (TEL), she has coordinated and participated in numerous Erasmus+ projects (e.g., Open Virtual Mobility, Open Badge Network, Digital Strategies for Higher Education). Her expertise includes humanoid and social robots, VR, AI, and digital credentials. She is also co-founder and chair of the EduRobotX Special Interest Group at EATEL.
- Niklas Bäcker – Laboratory Assistant at the Communications Lab, specialist in humanoid robotics, VR, and AI in education. With a degree in Humanoid Robotics from BHT, he coordinates young researchers, organises teacher workshops, and contributes to designing and implementing innovative educational scenarios with emerging technologies.
Mission
BHT’s mission is to bridge academia and industry by combining applied research, cutting-edge technologies, and multicultural inclusion. Through its strong European and global networks, BHT empowers students with practical skills, digital competences, and innovative experiences, preparing them to become leaders in tomorrow’s society.
Agrupamento de Escolas de Mangualde
Country: Portugal
City: Mangualde
Website: www.escolasdemangualde.pt
About the School
The Agrupamento de Escolas de Mangualde is a large educational institution that provides learning opportunities from kindergarten through to secondary education, including professional courses at the upper-secondary level. The school serves around 2,300 students, of which more than 200 are international learners from countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Ukraine, South Africa, Mozambique, and Angola. Its educational community is supported by 250 teachers, 4 technical educators (including psychologists and a speech therapist), and 150 administrative and support staff.
The school is based in Mangualde, a small city in central Portugal, known for its agricultural production and local industries such as wine, olive oil, apples, and blueberries, as well as for hosting the Stellantis Factory (light commercial vehicles) and Patinter, one of the largest goods transport companies in Europe. This local context shapes the school’s mission to prepare young citizens for active, participative roles in society, with an emphasis on entrepreneurship, sustainability, and adaptability to future challenges.
Educational Approach and Innovation
Agrupamento de Escolas de Mangualde promotes holistic education that develops students’ technological, social, and cultural competences. It hosts the Qualifica Center, providing second-chance education for adults, and is one of only two schools in Portugal to offer distance secondary education for citizens abroad.
A strong focus is placed on STEM and robotics education. Through the Academia STEM de Mangualde, the school involves students, families, and local economic partners in hands-on, interdisciplinary learning. In 2023, the academy secured the European Schoolnet STEM School Label Expert Award. Students begin programming and robotics activities as early as the third grade, progressing through Bee Bots, Blue Bots, Ino Bots, Ozobots, and the NAO humanoid robot, while also working with Micro:bit, Arduino, and additive manufacturing technologies.
The school also integrates sustainability into learning, being an active member of the Eco-Schools network, and runs diverse clubs such as mathematics, sciences, music (in collaboration with the Viseu Regional Conservatory), and robotics.
Project Experience
The school and its staff have extensive experience in Erasmus+ projects and teacher training initiatives through EduFor – Teachers Training Center of Associated Schools, located within its facilities. Past projects include:
- PreDys – Supporting children at risk of dyslexia (2019–2021)
- Digit2 – Digital storytelling and employability skills (2019–2021)
- PlayEg – Play the Entrepreneurial Game (2019–2021)
- Computational Thinking and Coding: Literacy of the Future (2019–2022)
- Digital Ambassadors of Cultural Heritage (2020–2022)
- Green Education in Green Environment (2020–2022)
- Green Teens (2021–2023)
- Climate Change and Carbon Footprint Optimization (2022–2024)
Through these initiatives, the school has developed expertise in digital technologies, computational thinking, coding, sustainability, and innovative teaching methodologies.
Key Staff
- Cristina Ligeiro – Local Project Coordinator, mathematics teacher, specialist in computational thinking integration, member of the STEM project team, completing a master’s degree in Education and Digital Technologies.
- Idalina Silva – Teacher of electronics, robotics, and programming, coordinator of the Robotics Club, with strong experience in professional education and project-based learning.
- Manuel Figueiredo – ICT teacher, experienced in international projects, trained at the European Schoolnet Future Classroom Lab, expert in interactive educational technologies.
- Renato Castro – Mathematics and science teacher, facilitator at the EduFor Innovative Classroom Lab, with extensive experience in computational thinking and project-based approaches.
Mission
The school’s mission is to equip students with the technological skills, adaptability, and social responsibility needed to succeed in the future. By engaging in international projects, STEM initiatives, and sustainability-focused activities, Agrupamento de Escolas de Mangualde fosters entrepreneurship, environmental awareness, and active European citizenship.
Escola Básica com Pré-escolar Dr. Eduardo Brazão de Castro
Country: Portugal
City: Funchal
Website: escolas.madeira-edu.pt/eb23debcastro
About the School
The Escola Básica com Pré-escolar Dr. Eduardo Brazão de Castro, founded in 1992, is a modern, inclusive educational institution located in Funchal, Madeira. It offers a wide range of learning opportunities, from preschool through to secondary education, as well as professional courses and adult education. The school currently serves 922 students, supported by 130 teachers and educators and 47 staff members.
The school’s mission is to deliver high-quality education and training, enabling both young people and adults to become knowledgeable, innovative, and responsible citizens. With a strong focus on adapting teaching to the needs of its community, the school prioritises professional training, adult education, and lifelong learning opportunities alongside traditional curricula.
The school community largely comes from the São Roque parish, including many families living in the highland and social neighbourhoods of Funchal. Recognised for its adaptability and innovation, the school plays an important social role by promoting inclusion, supporting families, and preparing students for further education or entry into the job market.
Educational Approach and Innovation
Escola Dr. Eduardo Brazão de Castro invests in new technologies, innovation, and digital learning environments. Dedicated spaces such as “Sala do Futuro” (Future Classroom), “Espaço EDU Criar”, and “Espaço EDU Inovar”provide creative, technology-enhanced learning experiences.
One of the school’s flagship initiatives is the Robotics and Mathematics Club – RobMat, where students explore robotics using Lego Mindstorms EV3. Activities combine mathematics with practical problem-solving, teamwork, and logical reasoning. Students progress through robotics and programming challenges, fostering computational thinking, coding, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
The school also promotes 3D printing, ICT projects, safe internet use, and programming activities to prepare students for the demands of the digital age. Gamification, digital pedagogy, and project-based learning are integrated into classroom practice, making learning engaging and future-oriented.
Project Experience
Escola Dr. Eduardo Brazão de Castro is committed to international cooperation, digital education, and innovative teaching practices. Its activities focus on:
- Robotics and programming education (Lego Mindstorms EV3, Lego Education WeDo 2.0, Fischertechnik Green Energy).
- Integration of ICT into learning, including safe internet use, structural programming, and problem-solving strategies.
- Development of mathematical reasoning through digital tools such as GeoGebra.
- Apps for Good projects, linking innovation and entrepreneurship with education.
- Implementation of STEAM and gamification strategies in teaching.
Through these initiatives, the school fosters 21st-century skills, preparing students to face complex challenges and encouraging them to become active, entrepreneurial citizens.
Key Staff
- Carlos Augusto Barros Constante – Mathematics teacher since 2004, leader of the RobMat Club since 2019. Specialist in robotics education (EV3), computational thinking, gamification, and digital learning. Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert (2022–2023), with extensive training in AI, STEAM, Apps for Good, and digital pedagogy.
- Pedro Miguel Coelho de Freitas – ICT teacher since 2022, coordinator of the Robotics Club for 4th grade students. Experienced in Lego Education WeDo 2.0 projects and Fischertechnik Green Energy projects, integrating sustainability with robotics and technology-based education.
Mission
The school’s mission is to deliver inclusive, innovative, and future-oriented education, combining academic learning, professional training, and digital skills development. By engaging students in robotics, ICT, and creative projects, Escola Dr. Eduardo Brazão de Castro empowers young people and adults to thrive in the knowledge society and contribute to a sustainable and technologically advanced future.
