The reality facing vulnerable students in Serbia. In Serbia, many young people face socio-economic challenges that hinder their access to quality education and better future opportunities. Over 40% of children are at risk of poverty, and only 44% of students from the poorest households achieve basic proficiency by the end of lower secondary education. The lack of financial resources forces some to drop out of school or balance studies with work to support their families. Scholarships play a crucial role in easing these burdens and enhancing students’ motivation. By supporting education, this initiative aims to develop a more skilled and engaged generation within society.

Support to village schools. In Serbia, schools, particularly in rural areas, face significant challenges due to outdated infrastructure and a lack of essential resources. While approximately 750,000 children began the 2024/2025 school year, rural schools often struggle with poor conditions, inadequate furniture, and limited educational materials. The absence of quality primary education facilities in these areas contributes to depopulation, as families move to cities for better opportunities. Efforts to improve early education access in underdeveloped regions have been slow, leaving many students without basic studying conditions. Addressing these needs by equipping schools with modern furniture and learning tools is essential to enhancing education quality and supporting both students and teachers.

STEM education. Serbia’s digital transformation requires not only legal and technological advancements but also significant investment in education, innovation, and partnerships. Developing a strong STEM workforce is crucial, as the ICT sector remains the fastest-growing industry, with a current shortage of 15,000 IT professionals. Encouraging young people to pursue STEM disciplines is essential to ensuring a diverse and skilled labor market. In addition to investing in IT equipment, high-quality educators play a key role in shaping students' career choices. Special attention is needed to inspire girls and young women to pursue careers in math, science, and technology.

Goals

This project aims to empower children and youth in Serbia by supporting the country’s educational system through 3 areas of intervention, such as scholarships, village schools support, and STEM education empowerment.

Activities

Projects’ activities include:

• Support high school vulnerable students with yearly scholarships;
• Support village schools with necessary equipment (providing furniture and equipment);
• Promote STEM education in high schools by supplying equipment and training teachers.