The “JAK” project is completed!
Association Bioteka, in partnership with the Ena Center from Sisak, has successfully completed the project “JAK – Strengthening Children’s Capacity for Scientific and Mental Literacy.” The workshops were held in May and June in collaboration with Elementary School Ivan Kukuljević for 2nd and 3rd grade classes.
Bioteka’s educators encouraged students to explore the nature around them through hands-on outdoor activities, observing phenomena and processes, and linking environmental conditions with the living beings in their schoolyard habitats. The students also refreshed their knowledge of cardinal directions, learned how to use a compass, and understood the sun’s position during the day. Although rain stopped further exploration in the school garden during the second part of the workshops, we were undeterred! Students used magnifying glasses, magnifiers, and microscopes to explore the details of the micro-world and the surrounding plant and animal life. They also participated in one of Bioteka’s games, taking on the role of ants to learn about life in an anthill.
Ena Center educators inspired students to develop empathy and respect for different opinions and perspectives. They worked on students’ self-awareness and communication skills, both with peers and in their environment. Relaxation exercises learned during the workshops will help students reduce stress and manage negative thoughts. Through the workshops, students also discovered ways to increase their concentration, which will help them master their schoolwork better. By conducting such workshops, children are supported in maintaining mental health, fostering healthy interpersonal relationships, and developing emotionally and socially.
Projects like JAK, which contribute not only to the intellectual but also to the emotional strengthening of children, are significant for every community where they are implemented, especially in communities affected by negative influences (such as the earthquake in Sisak). These workshops provided children with the opportunity to discover their inner strength and the nature that surrounds them daily.
We all know we should spend more time outdoors, but we often overlook the positive impact that greenery and natural surroundings can have on mental health. Therefore, it is important to encourage children from a young age to spend time outdoors, which can be achieved by stimulating their curiosity to discover new knowledge in the nature and environment around them.
This project was co-financed by Sisak City.
